Katrelia Cunningham began visiting local seniors with her two daughters in an effort to spend their time bringing some joy to these people’s lives. After the first couple of visits, they quickly realized the profound impact of simple companionship. 

Cunningham opened Aged Well Thrift Store about 10 months ago, as a means for generating funds to support her nonprofit: Seniors You are Not Forgotten. The store also helps spread awareness of the mission and recruit new volunteers.

The store receives its inventory both through community donations and by Katrelia sourcing items herself. There is no strict focus on specific categories—they accept a wide variety of items, including appliances, furniture, vintage items and clothing.

Aged Well’s outreach includes regular visits to Wickshire Senior Living and Pinehurst Rehabilitation Center, especially during holidays. 

Looking ahead, Cunningham’s vision is to “bridge the gap between the youth and the seniors, and being able to have the thrift store as a place where people can actually come in and see that this is a change – Aged Well is making a difference in the life of our seniors.” 

She hopes to foster ongoing companionships between volunteers and seniors, not just one-off visits.

“Giving back, that is our main focus here –- giving back to the seniors and letting them know that they have not been forgotten, they have not been just thrown away. [Also] letting them know that they still serve a purpose,” added Cunningham.

Aged Well Thrift Store is situated at 5404 Yadkin Road in Fayetteville. To learn more about the store and Seniors You are Not Forgotten visit their website.