Despite cloudy and rainy conditions, Friday afternoon, Feb. 3, brought a good turnout to St. Francis Gift & Thrift Store in Auburn. The store’s eighth anniversary was celebrated that day with cookies and beverages served.

There was also 25 percent off the cost of all items except appliances and furniture.
St. Francis Gift & Thrift is among four thrift stores operated by Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska. The others are: St. Louise, Lincoln; St. Joseph, Hastings and St. Isadore, Imperial.
All funds raised from the stores, minus minimal administrative costs, are funneled back into Catholic Social Services emergency services programs. The items sold at the stores were contributed by generous individuals across Southern Nebraska. Many volunteers are needed to help sort contributions, stock items and assist store patrons.
Catholic Social Services officials provided the following information:
In 2011, 99 families representing 288 individuals were served through the Emergency Services program. The families were provided with more than $19,000 in cash and material assistance.
Also in 2011, 3,756 individuals of 1,564 families were provided food from Catholic Social Services mobile food pantry. The pantry serves residents of Auburn, Pawnee City, Tecumseh, Fairbury and Falls City.
Both areas of services showed increases over 2010.