The word "outreach" simply means to reach out, and in the case of the local non-profit agency Mahaska County Outreach, that means helping needy citizens in Mahaska County. But that's been difficult to do because the agency's thrift store has been unable to bring in any profits over the past two years. However, after some modifications to the store, including new management, that's changed.

The outreach thrift store has been around for awhile.

"they started it in 83"

when the salvation army closed its operations in Oskaloosa. That closure left a gap in the community -- to provide for the basic needs of the public...

"at a cheap price, so it can help the public, and it's here for the public"

And the public has responded.

"For the month of January we've made $6,000, which normally we don't make that much money"

Alice Moore took over managing the store last October and attributes the boost in income not to raising prices, but to actually lowering them.

"The economy, it's been harder on people"

Making the affordable clothing attractive.

"Especially with your children, in that clothes is so high and it helps cloth them and everything"

And because of the good sales--Outreach has been able to spread its success to other non-profits.

"We've gave $2,000 to the economical cupboard, we've gave $2,000 to the Y, we've gave $2,000 to the crisis center""And that's what we're about, we want to help people."

People such as Helen Edgington, who lost her house and daughter to a fire on January 31st.

"Me and the volunteers, we wanted to all get together and do something for Helen"

That was to donate to Edgington all the sales from the store that were made last Friday, during the stores $7 sack sale.

"We had $384 dollars. Lots of times, if it wasn't a full sack they just made sure that they donated the money. Our community seems like they're a very caring and concerned community."

On top of Friday's sales, Outreach hosted a donation jar for Edgington that collected funds over the past two weeks.

"We helped pay off both of her daughters funerals so that helped Helen out tremendously"

But there's more to it than simply raising money.

"It brings a love to you. Seeing that our community seems like they're a very caring and concerned community."

A community with a lot to give.

"Donations has probably doubled compared to what we used to have" "That's a blessing, and a hinderance too."

With the solution being more space.

"But at the same time we need the donations to go with that"

Along with some additional help.

"To be able to get more volunteers"

To offer some new items.

"get some more furniture"

Without loosing sight of what matters most.

"And we'd like to be able to help more people"

Giving Outreach a reason to exist for another 30 years. For CRI Weekly News, I'm Aaron Riggs.

If you would like to make a donation to Mahaska County Outreach, you can visit their store at 114 North 1st St and ring the doorbell in the alley-way where a volunteer will receive your donation.