Carson City FISH seeks assistance with thrift store renovations

Friends in Service Helping is launching a community project to renovate and improve the facade of its thrift store in North Carson. The human services nonprofit invites residents and local organizations with construction experience to participate in the project by volunteering their skills and materials to renovate their store front on Carson Street.

The specific skills requested for the renovation include demolition, carpentry, painting, masonry and experience working with concrete and stucco. FISH also welcomes donations of materials and supplies for these projects. Executive Director Jim Peckham will schedule volunteers to work with the general contractor. Interested volunteers can contact Peckham at 775-882-3474 ext. 101 or jim@nvfish.com.

“We are working with the community to spread Carson City’s revitalization north of the downtown area,” Peckham said. “My board and I hope that other businesses can see how a low-cost face lift to our building can make a big difference on the 395 corridor.”

The corrugated metal and rustic wood facade is expected to have a visual impact in the community and is going to be easily duplicated with other properties on the north end of town, if other businesses like the design. The new storefront will have a Western design recalling the history of Carson City.

FISH has already enlisted the help of local builders, services clubs and the Lath and Plaster Union in Reno to help with the project. FISH is also hopeful artists are going to assist in creating murals on walls within its complex.

All proceeds from the FISH thrift store directly fund its emergency services programs. The store is part of the organization’s complex that includes the Family Dining Room, Ross Clinic, food bank and administrative offices. FISH is in the process of modernizing the facilities, which are more than 50 years old.

Previous improvements have been made to the parking lot, offices and thrift store interior; now they will renovate the store’s exterior.

FISH is a non-profit organization that provides food, instruction, shelter and healthcare to the homeless and hungry in the Carson area. Since 1979 FISH has offered emergency services and referrals to help individuals and families regain self-sufficiency. For more information, contact FISH at 775-882-FISH (3474), at info@nvfish.com or at www.nvfish.com.