The County Cupboard remains dedicated to serving our community

Dropping off a round of donations can feel like a weight off your chest when clearing out space in your home. Now, what if those donations could somehow raise funds that go right back into our community? The County Cupboard has been doing just that, and through your donations, they have been able to continue their mission to serve Waushara County.
The County Cupboard had a humble start, being established as part of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in 1972. The store would eventually find a home right in downtown Wautoma in December of 1990.
The Cupboard is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that aims to generate funds that go directly back to other nonprofits and the people of Waushara County. After bills, building upkeep, and payroll, any profits made go back to help our community through scholarships and donations to other nonprofits. Currently, the store employs 14 part-time employees, as well as a full-time manager and assistant manager.
The County Cupboard has awarded several donations already this year, including a total of $2,700 for our eight county libraries, $4,500 towards nine county fire departments, and $3,960 to five local food pantries. Donation amounts to each organization are dependent on how many people they serve.
The Cupboard also presents a set amount of donations to other nonprofits, including: $2,500 to the Salvation Army, $1,000 for the Waushara County Holiday Project, $1,000 to TreeHouse of Central WI, $500 for the Back to School Bash, and $250 towards the Dreams Can Happen Special Needs Prom.

There are only two requirements for requesting a donation: The organization must be registered as a 501(c)(3) and it must serve the Waushara County area. The Cupboard Board of Directors then looks through the requests for approval. County Cupboard manager Elizabeth Meek assures that the application process is simple and is eager to assist applicants. Any organization that meets these requirements is encouraged to submit a donation request. Just contact The Cupboard to get started.
Another way The Cupboard has found to give back is to our students. Their scholarship program received a record number of applicants this year from Wautoma, Tri-County, and Wild Rose schools. Typically, six scholarships of $500 are presented each year. This year, there was enough left over to award seven scholarships, which were awarded to three seniors from Wautoma and four from Wild Rose.
This scholarship is unique, as recipients are selected based on their service and involvement in the community. Academics and athletics are not the main points of consideration. Students also must live in Waushara County and must be high school seniors to apply. The Scholarship Committee reviews applications, which are kept anonymous to ensure that the selection process is fair. This year, the committee received over 30 applications and encourages more next year!
The County Cupboard always finds a unique way to engage with the community. Each year, they speak at the Waushara Area Christian Connection Luncheon. Ladies then enjoy a fashion show featuring clothing, shoes, and accessories from The Cupboard. Participants visit the store beforehand to select their outfits, with several models deciding to purchase their finds!
A lesser-known way The Cupboard supports those in need comes through Cell Phones for Soldiers, a program where broken or working cell phones are collected, then refurbished and given out as a free communication solution to Active/Guard/Reserve Service members and Veterans in need. Any electronics that they do not take, such as tablets, laptops, etc., are given to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, which wipes and refurbishes the device to use the profits for the organization.
The Cupboard also supports the Orphan Grain Train (OGT), donating any items that cannot be sold in the store but are still nice enough to use. OGT is a nonprofit that collects clothing, shoes, medical supplies, and other essentials for those in need in the U.S. and abroad. The Cupboard will also loan clothing and other items to the high schools for their plays and musicals.
When it comes to donations, The Cupboard has seen it all! Special items are saved for the display case window, with a cigar box guitar recently being added to the collection. The community has provided the store with an impressive selection of inventory. Among the top-selling items would be women’s clothing, kitchen accessories, and various knick-knacks.
While the store does receive plenty of donations, there is always a need for men’s clothing and children’s winter clothing. These categories are typically donated less often, as many of these items are used until they are no longer functional. Children’s winter clothing always goes fast, with the store selling out of these items a few weeks after being put out this year.
The Cupboard invites customers to take advantage of their upcoming 50% off storewide sale. The one-day sale will take place Saturday, Aug. 9, the same day as Augustfest. They will also be hosting a fundraiser for the food pantry throughout the day. The store will be collecting non-perishable items such as canned foods, peanut butter, baking mixes, and more for the one-day food drive. There will also be a jar for monetary donations, which will all be presented to the Waushara County Food Pantry.
You never know what treasures you might find at The County Cupboard thrift store. Maybe it will be the perfect outfit for your next event, an appliance to enhance your kitchen, a unique piece of furniture, or something you never knew you needed! Just remember, your treasure hunt at The County Cupboard helps our community in more ways than you know!
For more information, a donation request, or to see how you can get involved, contact The Cupboard at 920-787-3929 or visit County Cupboard on Facebook.