LIFE's Second Hand Treasures relocates in Tamaqua

The entire community is invited to join Access Services for the grand opening and ribbon cutting of its newly relocated thrift store, LIFE's 2nd Hand Treasures.

The ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on Thursday, Feb. 4, at 9:30 a.m. at the store's new location on 217 S. Center Street in Tamaqua. The store previous occupied the former El-Jay Jewelers shop on West Broad Street.

Participating in the ceremony will be State Senator David G. Argall, State Representative Jerry Knowles, Tamaqua Council President Micah Gursky, and Executive Director of the Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce Linda Yulanavage. Access Services' staff and program participants in the L.I.F.E. Day Support program will be in attendance to welcome community guests.

"There is something wonderful about being part of a small, close-knit community that embraces new and innovative opportunities to help the developmentally disabled," said Sheila Davison, Regional Director for Access Services. "Due to the overwhelming support from the community and the abundance of wonderful donations, we have grown out of the store's first location on Broad Street.

"It is with great pride and gratitude that we celebrate our new, larger store,with plenty of free parking, and hope that the entire community will participate in our grand opening celebration."

L.I.F.E., Learning In a Functional Environment, is not an adult day care program. It is a publicly-funded service that helps integrate adults with developmental disabilities into their respective communities by providing organized group recreational activities, skills training, community volunteer projects, day trips, etc.

One of the primary objectives for L.I.F.E. participants is to contribute and assist senior citizens and youth by delivering meals and improving the appearance of local community playgrounds and parks. To the participants it has become almost a crusade and they have such pride in the contributions they make to the community.

The Tamaqua L.I.F.E. participants have received volunteer awards and accolades from borough officials, Meals on Wheels officials, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and other community agencies.

Access Services is a non-profit organization with a regional office in Orwigsburg that serves over 500 people in the local community per month. Access Services accepts donations for the thrift shop daily and is able to provide tax return receipts upon request.

For over 30 years, Access Services has been developing innovative ways to provide support services for individuals with special needs in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Today, it is a large non-profit organization with staff members operating in 10 counties including Berks, Bucks, Carbon-Monroe-Pike, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia and Schuylkill.

For more information on Access Services, visit its website at www.accessservices.org.