*EDITOR'S NOTE: A local business will now be featured every week in the Zachary Plainsman-News. Look for the commerce feature on Page 5 every week. Which Zachary business will be featured next? Be sure to get your copy of the Plainsman to find out!*

Local thrift store Too Good To Be Threw, a non-profit organization, stays in business thanks to the generosity of citizens and other businesses in the Zachary community.

Located at 3897 Hwy. 19, Too Good To Be Threw sells household appliances, electronics, books for adults and children, games, clothes and shoes for men, women and kids, dishware, sheets, blankets, toys, decorative items and much more. All items donated must be in good condition.

There are seasonal racks - think Valentine's Day and Mardi Gras - with items for purchase that are tax free. Every day, senior citizens (55 and up) receive a 15 percent discount, and store manager Janice Jackson says there are frequent sales events and yard sale items at reduced prices.

Too Good To Be Threw is staffed by clients of Foundation Industries, Inc., 9995 Main St. (Hwy. 64), which employs local adults with developmental disabilities and mild retardation and certifies them for service through the Office of Citizens with Developmental Disabilities.

"We focus on their abilities, not their disabilities," says Melba King, of Foundation Industries, who has been in human services and involved with Foundation's clients for over 22 years. "Men and women of all ages are trained and given jobs at places such as Best Western Zachary Inn, the Too Good thrift store and Winn Dixie, as well as churches, schools and state-run facilities.

"We also have a job coach that recruits for our clients and works with Zachary businesses to find the right fit. They are eager to work and more than able," King says.

She said the clients come from group homes or they live at home with their families or are considered certified to work by the state.

Employees must be 18 and older, pass an interview and evaluation process and participate in several vocational training sessions before they are sent out into the community ready to work, King explained.

Foundation's philosophy is to empower individuals promoting personal choices and individual growth. "Every person who comes here will have the opportunity for economic independence and job satisfaction," King said about Foundation's mission.

In addition to working at various businesses throughout Zachary, Foundation clients are involved in many extracurricular activities such making arts and crafts that are featured annually in the Broadmoor Arts & Crafts show and sold during the holidays. They also participate in the Zachary Christmas parade, and most recently, were in a community fashion show. King says they are considering holding a Mardi Gras parade for the clients, as well.

Founded in 1979, Foundation Industries, Inc. is licensed by the State of Louisiana and is also an active member of the Zachary Chamber.

"We treat them with dignity and respect...we're their caregivers," King added, about the clients who come to Foundation Industries.

Too Good To Be Threw employs four Foundation clients five days a week at the thrift store. Hours of operation are Monday thru Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Donations are what make the thrift store successful, and a drop box is located in front of the shop and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Please help support Too Good To Be Threw by donating items in good condition. Store Manager Janice Jackson said the donations can also be considered a tax write-off.

Contact Foundation Industries, Inc. at 654-6283 or Too Good To Be Threw at 654-4113.