High Top Shop Closing Its Doors

The Andy Foundation’s High Top Shop made its debut at 671 Franklin Avenue in November 2010.

Nearly three years later, the shop, run by local volunteers dedicated to the foundation's mission of helping children in need, is closing its doors this month.

"After much consideration the board decided that it was a better use of the foundation's volunteer resources to go back to our grassroots fundraising efforts," Andy Foundation founder Jill Palmeri told Patch. "We will miss all our customers and friends we have made."

Always brimming with donations, the shop offers new and gently used furniture, decorative items for the home, antiques, glassware, fine china, giftware, art, silver, rugs, jewelry sporting goods, handbags, accessories and more.

Much of what's left in the shop will be available for purchase at Saturday's tenth annual yard sale.

To date, the foundation has raised well over $900,000 and "continues to distribute funds and hands-on support to worthy child-based causes in local communities."

Since its inception, the foundation has helped numerous charities, including The De La Salle School in Freeport (2 SmartBoards and a new library), Pal-O-Mine ($21,000 for their new J-STEP program) and Winthrop Cancer Center for Kids ($20,000). Most recent efforts have enabled the foundation to add a classroom at Hagedorn Little Village School.

Volunteers are also currently rehabilitating a house in Breezy Point ravaged by Sandy and hope to team up with the Breezy co-op this summer to rebuild a playground. Proceeds from Saturday's sale will benefit the playground build as well as Hagedorn Little Village School.

“It’s a bittersweet decision,” store volunteer Betsy Andromidas said. “It was a difficult decision and we will miss all our regular customers who have become friends but look forward to going back to our fundraising roots.” 

Palmeri added, "We want to thank all those who donated their time and treasures, please stay tuned for future Andy Foundation events! We truly appreciate our customers’ loyal support."

For more information and updates on the foundation's events and projects, visit the new website at www.theandyfoundation.org.

The Andy Foundation was formed by friends of Andrew Palmeri, who tragically died at age 11 after being hit by a car in 2003.