deborah franks

M.A.N.A.R.C. Marine, Army, Navy, Air Force, Reserves, Coast Guard. Located at 1008 Sophia Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401, this 501(c)(3) non-profit re-sale store operates on community donations of seasonal items and adult clothing with the express purpose of supporting veterans and established veterans' organizations within the greater Fredericksburg region, such as the Semper Fi Fund, Homes for our Troops, and the local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3103.

For CEO & Founder Deborah Franks, the decision to found MANARC and open its doors to the public in August 2014 represented both a calling and a unique opportunity to honor the legacy of her family members who have served in the Armed Forces.

"Our American heroes deserve our utmost respect and appreciation. My grandfather served in the Army, my father served in the Navy, and my brother served in the Air Force. Without our veterans, we would not have the rights and freedoms we have today," Franks says. MANARC always welcomes volunteers to staff the store or to help participate in special projects.

Franks has excelled in establishing MANARC as a vital platform for serving, supporting, and investing in the Fredericksburg community, with the store winning Best Charity, Best Thrift Store, Best Community Outreach, and Best Nonprofit Organization for Best of the Burg 2022. All proceeds from the Corps Solutions Charity Golf Tournament, taking place the first week of every October, benefit MANARC and its ability to give back to its community partners. Over the years, MANARC has participated in various local community fundraisers and school drives. It has presented checks to VFW Post 3103, Liberty Organization, the Marine Corps League, the Lions Club of Fredericksburg, Loisann ' s Hope House, Paws for Purple Hearts, Veteran Made

Décor, Leashes of Valor, and Blue Star Mothers of Fredericksburg. MANARC regularly undertakes local service projects, such as building a ramp for a retired Marine who suffered a stroke, or partnering with local businesses to provide an HGTV-like home makeover for a single parent Veteran raising three young children. And when you visit MANARC in person, you will feel gratified by the time and energy that Franks and her associates invest in building and nourishing relationships with visiting customers and other members of the community.

MANARC has also consistently participated in local annual holiday traditions, such as Treats on the Streets and the Scarecrow Fest and Window Wonderland competitions. Franks also serves as Deputy Treasurer for St. Vincent De Paul, whom MANARC partners with to gift 'Santa Sacks,' or Christmas stockings, and Easter baskets to local children in need, as well as to 'adopt' seniors and veterans in need of company during the holiday season.

This season, now through December 31st, MANARC will join FAVOR Chocolate Boutique, Mimi's Vintage Cottage, Pieces, Possum-bilities, Sprelly, Rocking Horse Gallery, and Sophia Street Studios SaraGray Designs in Jingle and Mingle: A Holiday Shopping Experience. Pick up a brochure at any of the participating businesses and "shop hop" to earn special promotions and to discover unique holiday gifts for friends and family. Anyone who collects stamps for visiting all eight shops will earn a small gift of their choosing. Additionally, customers may take and post a picture of

Fredericksburg’s Finest

MANARC Borne the Battle: Deborah Franks

by Jenna ELIZABETH eDWARDS

their purchase from any of the participating shops to enter a social media raffle for a chance to win one of eight items valued at $50 each. "It is through opportunities like [the Corps Solutions Charity Golf Tournament] and other fundraisers and community events benefiting veterans that we can thank those who have served as a heroic example of who we are and what we can dream to be. Please let us never forget that freedom comes with a price."

Especially as the holiday season approaches, let us always remember the veterans who have sacrificed, are currently sacrificing, or will sacrifice time with their families and the most significant milestones that many of us take for granted, in order to defend, protect, and serve the country we love.

Jenna Elizabeth is partner of the Edwards Law Firm PLLC and a local realtor. She highlights local business owners and community members to showcase why the Fredericksburg region is an amazing place to live.