Nearly New clothes with a cause

MCAFEE - In a world where recycling is not only encouraged, but sometimes mandatory, consignment stores have become ever more popular. Now area residents have Nearly New, a consignment store in Vernon Colonial Plaza on Rt. 94 in McAfee The business offers high-end clothing at affordable prices. But it provides more than just bargains to the local community. Every month, ten percent of its profits are donated to local charitable causes and organizations. Five years ago, Hauda Ward and her husband moved to Vernon from Bergen County in search of a better quality of life for her children. She didn’t realize that she would one day be in a position to give back to the community that gave her so much. Not long after the move to Vernon, Ward’s youngest son was diagnosed with Unicameral Bone Disease, a rare bone ailment that affects only two percent of boys in this country. “The community was so supportive that I wanted to give back to it in some way. I have been in the consignment business for most of my working life and I thought that when I opened my shop here in Vernon I would donate ten percent each month to a different cause,” said Ward. In August, Nearly New donated $600 to the family of Michael Ryan, the Vernon boy who was injured in a snowboarding accident earlier this year. September’s donation will go to the Vernon Fire Department, and October’s will be given the Vernon P.A.L. program. In the time since Nearly New opened its doors a little over a month ago, it has already expanded, taking over the space next door which recently became vacant. “We have expanded and now have what I call the Shabby Chic junior section, which has brand names like Abercrombie, American Eagle, and Hallstead. Many of the items have the tags still on them and everything is under $15,” she said. When asked to account for the incredible popularity of her store, Ward replied, “We have 2,000 square feet of space here, so there is no clutter, everything is easy to see and easy to get at, and we have something for everyone, from men and boys to babies, girls, juniors, women, and plus sizes.” Although Ward already has 400 consignors, she is still accepting new consignors. For more information call 973-209-4290.