Southern Nebraska Register
The Auburn Chamber of Commerce named St. Francis Gift & Thrift (SFGT), owned and operated by Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS), its “Business of the Year.”
The award honors a Chamber member business that shows an investment in the people and well-being of Auburn and/or Nemaha County. SFGT was among four other member businesses nominated for the award.
“As a non-profit, businesses like St. Francis Gift and Thrift don’t always feel their work is noticed,” said Leslie Clark, executive director of the Auburn Chamber of Commerce. “This award shows that this business is very much noticed and appreciated. As we each do our part, the community grows and succeeds because we’ve worked together for the good of Auburn and the surrounding community.”
The award came on the heels of the recent 20-year anniversary celebration for the establishment of SFGT by CSS.
“Our hearts are filled with gratitude and a joy that will keep our cups filled for a long time,” said April Boellstorff, Auburn CSS regional director, accepting the award. “So many tasks God gives us and I am incredibly thankful He joined us here in Auburn to serve this community together.”
Boellstorff also credited the generous donors supporting CSS programs in Auburn, and the many volunteers who make the operations of SFGT run smoothly.
The Auburn Chamber of Commerce nomination said SFGT “offers a unique collection – where donors, volunteers, shoppers, and those in need come together to provide ‘Hope in the Good Life.’”
“It’s a place where everyone can serve one another – from donors to volunteers, to neighbors in need,” it said. “The store serves as a resource where donated items are found at affordable prices, as well as a pleasant shopping experience.”
The nomination pointed out that store profits are invested back into the community by assisting those in the five-county area via food market, personal care, diapers, financial assistance, and referrals.
Last fiscal year, CSS Auburn provided nearly 34,000 pounds of food to locals. In 2023, more than $16,500 of financial assistance was provided for things like rent or utilities. Almost 2,300 volunteer hours were also recorded.
CSS has recently invested in updated brickwork and awnings, as well as internal renovations to maintain and beautify its downtown Auburn historic property.
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska is a non-profit organization that has been around for nearly a century helping people in need of all backgrounds and faiths across 24,000 square miles of southern Nebraska. Headquartered in Lincoln, CSS has outreach centers in Auburn, Hastings, and Imperial. CSS can be found at www.csshope.org.
