Lake Forest thrift store donates $25,000 to local organizations

Forest & Found, a charitable thrift store in Lake Forest, has donated $25,000 to two local nonprofit organizations: Career Resource Center and Paws for Patrick.

This dollar amount represents the shop's profits from the second quarter of 2021. Per its operations, Forest & Found gives locally for the positive impact of residents in Lake County.

"We are inspired by these two organizations, one with over 30 years of service and one very new, and how much they do for the community. These nonprofits are vital to the strength and resilience of our community," said Diana Durkes, founder and president of Forest & Found.

Career Resource Center does the essential work of helping individuals with job searches, including the many women in the local community who have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. CRC is a confidence-building employment resource featuring individualized attention, education, training and coaching by industry professionals.

Paws for Patrick is dedicated to connecting young people with emotional support animals to aid them as they live with mental health issues. The organization sources and provides the animals, as well as the training and education, and secures letters of certification for emotional support animals.

Forest & Found opened its doors in 2014 as a marketplace for upscale, community-sourced goods and fundraising for local charities. Since then, it's become a destination for quality fashion and design that happen to be used. Clothing, seasonal décor and art are the store's bestsellers.

"We turn donations into charitable dollars. Community members fill the shop with great design and fashion. And those who shop Forest & Found know that feeling of delight when they discover something good and it's a bargain," Durkes said.

Community participation is the reason for Forest & Found's success.

"We've seen an increase in participation through donations and shopping dollars, especially since the pandemic. It's the connections and support from those around us that make our work so worthwhile," Durkes said.

Forest & Found is a 501(c) 3 organization located at 1363 N. Western Ave., Lake Forest. Find out more about Forest & Found online at forestandfound.com, on Instagram at @forestnfound and #shopforestnfound, and on Facebook at forestandfound; or call (847) 482-1705.

Shop hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday and Thursday through Saturday.

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