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Thrifty Eagle opens at Ennis School

Transitional students run secondhand store
January 14, 2019

Frankford-area residents can save money and benefit local students by shopping at the Thrifty Eagle thrift shop.

On Jan. 4, students and school officials celebrated the opening of the store, which is named after the Howard T. Ennis School mascot, and sells secondhand clothing and household goods.

The store is run by students from the school’s transition education and pre-vocational program, which helps students aged 18 to 21 develop employment and independent living skills.

Assistant Principal Michael Thompson said the store offers students an opportunity to gain skills to transition from school to the workforce.

“We wanted to let kids take ownership in the process, from building the business as a group and running it from the start,” he said.

The shop is stocked with toys, books, knicknacks, housewares and clothing for men, women and children. Student Julia Velasquez said she prepared for the store’s opening by sorting and hanging clothes.

“I’m very excited,” she said.

Indian River School District Superintendent Mark Steele said students will leave the program with work experience and enhanced socialization skills.

“The transitional program is just great, and I wouldn’t change it for the world,” he said.

Located in the Early Learning Center/Tots building at 30207 Frankford School Road, Thrifty Eagle is accepting donations and is open 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

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