StarPoint ?The Rummage Sale”

Manager: Sheila Berkley

Address: 312 SW “A” St., Bentonville

Phone: 501-464-9400

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday,

10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Start-Up Date: July 15

Although this non-profit thrift store actually opened eight months ago, it’s been so successful that the business already has moved to a new, larger location.

StarPoint accepts donations of furniture, clothing, housewares, and other items which are sold to local customers at “reasonable” prices.

“We also accept cash donations,” says store manager Sheila Berkley, who has years of experience in public service.

StarPoint employs volunteers – mostly teen-agers – from the local community to work in the store to help them gain experience and responsibility and to provide an alternative to being idle during the summer and after school.

“Kids in the neighborhood volunteer in the store 20 to 40 hours a week,” Berkley explains. “We offer computer classes as well as training in business etiquette. Retail is a good training ground.”

The teen-agers who work there aren’t paid, but they benefit from the lessons in responsibility and the letter of reference that will come from their work experience. Each person in the program also receives management training.

“We actually have a waiting list of kids who want to work here,” says Berkley. “We have a great amount of community support.”

The business has expanded rapidly in recent months.

“There is no such thing as too much growth. The increase in sales could help to sustain a payroll,” says Berkley.

As an organization, StarPoint attempts to develop concepts and programs that will help those who are less fortunate succeed.

The program addresses welfare reform issues, such as affordable child care. It offers counseling and training in job skills.

As sales revenue grows, StarPoint hopes to provide child care and transportation and to continue development of training components.

After a year of sales, the group will explore grant opportunities.