Catholic Charities to move, but thrift store will close

New London - Catholic Charities is moving its offices next week from Masonic Street to the newly renovated former convent next to St. Mary Star of the Sea Church.

While the move will create a better space for the organization to serve its needy clients, there is no room for the Catholic Charities thrift store.

The thrift store, which has been in the city for more than 30 years, the last five at 22 Masonic St., will close Thursday.

"It's very unfortunate but we have to let it go,'' said Marek Kukulka, executive director of Catholic Charities for the Diocese of Norwich.

The agency, which has been in New London since 1921, will continue to provide services for its clients at the former convent at 28 Huntington St. The building has been completely renovated and will include ample space for offices and a food pantry.

"Moving to the convent allows us to save on occupancy costs,'' Kukulka said. "Our funding has been cut on average by 28 percent. Everyone is looking for savings. Unfortunately certain programs have to be eliminated or suspended."

The Masonic Street shop, which provided clothing, kitchen goods and some other household goods for free to clients, also sold items to the general public. But location, the lack of signs and scant nearby parking made it difficult to attract consumers. There wasn't enough income to cover the rent, Kukulka said.

Catholic Charities operates offices in New London, Norwich, Willimantic and Windham with an annual budget of $2.2 million. Rental costs for the New London office, which has a staff of five and about 20 volunteers, will be reduced by 50 percent with the move, Kukulka said. St. Mary's Church is the landlord.

The agency will continue to provide underwear, gloves, hats, coats and work clothes at no charge for those in need and will be working cooperatively with the Salvation Army, which operates a thrift store on Bank Street.

"We have to eliminate any duplication as much as possible,'' Kukulka said. "The good news is we are moving to a better location and cutting occupancy costs, so that means we can continue to provide services."

k.edgecomb@theday.com