PITTSBORO, N.C. — Chatham County Schools celebrated the generosity and dedication of families, staff and community members Monday evening during the annual PTA Thrift Shop Appreciation and Check Distribution Dinner at Chatham Central High School.
During the celebration, the Chatham PTA Thrift Shop announced $497,192.50 in distributions to school PTAs, made possible through thousands of hours of volunteer service at the organization’s three thrift shop locations. The presentation reported a total of 26,726.20 volunteer hours during the past year.
“The Chatham PTA Thrift Shop is such a powerful example of what can happen when a community comes together around its schools,” said Superintendent Dr. Kelly Batten. “Every hour volunteered, every item donated, and every purchase made ultimately creates opportunities for our students. We are incredibly grateful to the volunteers, employees, families, and community members who make this work possible year after year.”
The PTA Thrift Shop’s distribution model directly connects volunteer participation with funding for schools. After $15,000 is retained for capital needs, 40% of proceeds are divided equally among member school PTAs that meet the minimum requirement of 150 volunteer hours annually. The remaining 60% is distributed based on each school’s share of total volunteer hours.
The five highest school distributions this year were:
Northwood High School: $50,899.86 — 3,627.25 volunteer hours
Seaforth High School: $43,590.21 — 2,971.50 volunteer hours
Chatham Central High School: $30,592.93 — 1,805.50 volunteer hours
George Moses Horton Middle School: $30,512.11 — 1,798.25 volunteer hours
Virginia Cross Elementary School: $28,313.95 — 1,601.05 volunteer hours
Additional school distributions included:
Bonlee School: $27,686.93 — 1,544.80 volunteer hours
J.S. Waters School: $26,605.13 — 1,447.75 volunteer hours
Bennett School: $25,966.97 — 1,390.50 volunteer hours
Jordan-Matthews High School: $25,685.51 — 1,365.25 volunteer hours
Silk Hope School: $23,899.22 — 1,205 volunteer hours
Margaret B. Pollard Middle School: $23,835.12 — 1,199.25 volunteer hours
Pittsboro Elementary School: $23,825.00 — 1,198.35 volunteer hours
Siler City Elementary School: $22,636.83 — 1,091.75 volunteer hours
Perry Harrison Elementary School: $22,195.42 — 1,052.15 volunteer hours
Chatham Middle School: $22,168.66 — 1,049.75 volunteer hours
Moncure School: $19,833.39 — 840.25 volunteer hours
North Chatham Elementary School: $18,950.00 — 761 volunteer hours
Chatham Grove Elementary School: $16,325.77 — 528 volunteer hours
Chatham Early College: $13,642.40 — 284.85 volunteer hours
The evening also provided school leaders and PTA representatives an opportunity to share how Thrift Shop proceeds have been used to support students and schools, while recognizing the employees, volunteers and patrons whose contributions make the annual distributions possible. The PTA Thrift Shop supports schools throughout the year through initiatives including student vouchers and volunteer-related programs.
About the Chatham PTA Thrift Shops
The Chatham PTA Thrift Shop has supported Chatham County Schools for more than 40 years. The nonprofit operates thrift shops serving the Cole Park, Pittsboro and Siler City communities, where donated merchandise is sold to generate funding for local public schools. Community members can support the organization by shopping, donating gently used items or volunteering at a Thrift Shop location.
Thrift Store Locations:
Cole Park PTA Thrift Shop: 11500 US Hwy 15‑501 N, Chapel Hill, NC 27517 (follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552589847744)
Pittsboro PTA Thrift Shop: 400 East Street, Pittsboro, NC 27312 (www.seaforthptsa.com)
Siler City PTA Thrift Shop: 218 E 11th St, Siler City, NC 27344 (follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063145766309)
For a full list of acceptable donation items, volunteer opportunities, and how to schedule a pick-up, visit any of the thrift store websites or contact your school’s volunteer representative.
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Media Contacts:
Jessica Pasión
468 Renaissance Drive
Pittsboro, NC 27539
Phone: 919.542.3626
About Chatham County Schools
Chatham County Schools serves more than 8,400 students across 20 schools in central North Carolina. With a commitment to excellence, equity, anπd engagement, the district works in partnership with families and the community to prepare ALL students for success in college, careers, and life.
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