Feb. 6, 2024, Coastal Georgia Indicators Coalition (CGIC) has been awarded a $7,500 grant by the St. Thomas Thrift Store in recognition of the agency’s work with the Early Language and Literacy Coalition of Chatham County.

The funding was bestowed on February 5, during a celebration for eight 2023 grant recipients at the store, located at 1126 E Montgomery XRoads in Savannah. 

The Savannah area coalition focused on improving community well-being by engaging and leading the community, works collectively in its development of strategic priorities that guide policy, programs and resource allocation. 

“For the past several years, the funding has focused on organizations implementing programs specifically benefitting underserved early learners and their well being,” said Millie Green, St. Thomas Thrift Store board chair.

“Coastal Georgia Indicators Coalition’s work with the Early Language and Literacy Coalition of Chatham County is something we’re proud to support!”

Green said, in addition to Coastal Georgia Indicators Coalition, the organizations receiving grants for 2023 are East Savannah United, Fresh Air Home, Greenbriar Children’s Center, Heads-Up Guidance Services, Live Oak Public Libraries Foundation, Loop It Up Savannah and Royce Learning Center.

The Store has been awarding grants to Savannah / Chatham County not-for-profit organizations for 26 years. It granted a total of $45,000 from its 2023 sales of donations of furniture, clothing, household items, and jewelry, with all net profits benefitting the Savannah community through the recipient organizations and has awarded more than $750,000 since the Thrift Store began operating in 1998. Each year, the store chooses charitable coastal area organizations focused on improving health and human service conditions to receive its grant funds.

A mission of St. Thomas Episcopal church, located in the Isle of Hope area of Savannah, the St. Thomas Thrift Store collects donated merchandise to finance outreach ministries in the area. The store was founded by a small group of parishioners and is operated completely by dedicated volunteers.

This is the second year that CGIC has been recognized with a St. Thomas Thrift Store grant.