The Turnover Shop of Wilton, a longstanding town institution, has made a generous donation of $10,000 to each of the individual Parent-Teacher Associations (PTA) at the four Wilton Public Schools, for a total gift of $40,000. According to a press release, this year’s donations to the PTAs at Wilton High School, Middlebrook School, Cider Mill School and Miller-Driscoll School mark the highest in the history of The Turnover Shop.

Founded more than 65 years ago, the thrift shop has as its mission to raise funds to support education and health services in Wilton. Proceeds are donated to the Wilton Parent Teacher Association and to Visiting Nurse and Hospice of Fairfield County.

“Cider Mill is thrilled, because this donation goes toward funding our enrichment programs, like Visiting Author. Without this type of donation we wouldn’t be able to have those kinds of programs year to year,” said Lisa Smith, president of the Cider Mill PTA.

Smith also said what’s important to note is the longstanding relationship between the Turnover Shop and the PTA. “It’s a great partnership. All the unclaimed [lost-and-found] clothing, we’re able to give it to them, and they in turn make these generous donation year after year.”

Proceeds also increase when individuals make donations to the Turnover Shop and specify the Wilton PTA as the beneficiary. In that case a percentage of what the store makes from the sale of such items is designated accordingly.

Smith encouraged people to consider giving back to the Turnover Shop in return. “They desperately need volunteers, and they only ask for a few hours each month. We’re going to put the word out to Cider Mill parents.”

Not only are Turnover Shop donations to the PTAs used for enrichment programs at each of the four schools, but they also support PTA classroom Gifts and Grants programs which are meant to help fund innovation in the classroom and support new educational initiatives at each school. 

To learn more about volunteering at the store, or to find out how to consign, donate or purchase items, visit the store at 98 Old Ridgefield Rd., on the lower level below the Village Market, or visit their website online.