History
In 1989, two women in Braham saw a gap in their community. Families needed affordable essentials. Some had to travel out of town just to get basic support. Instead of waiting for someone else to fix it, they stepped in.
They started a small thrift store using donated items and a simple idea. If people come together, they can take care of each other. They named it Tusen Tack, which means “a thousand thanks.” What started small kept growing because the need was real and people kept showing up.
Today, Tusen Tack includes multiple programs that support the community in practical ways. The approach has stayed the same. Neighbors helping neighbors, with no outside system driving it.
Our Vision
Tusen Tack sustains a vibrant community by bringing together caring volunteers dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for their neighbors in Braham and the surrounding region.
Mission
Building community and enhancing the quality of life in East Central Minnesota.
Core Values
Strategic - We assess community needs and opportunities, identify priorities, and focus human and financial resources on achieving results.
Community - We value the social support provided by a caring community and are dedicated to serving all generations.
Appreciation - We value the contribution of volunteers and supporters who dedicate their time, talents, and treasure to the well-being of their neighbors and their community.
Growth - We value personal growth and development through education, health and wellness, arts and cultural activities, social gatherings, and volunteerism.
Partnerships - We believe in partnering with like-minded organizations.
Integrity and respect - We operate with honesty, integrity, and respect for others.
Supportive - We enable and support volunteers with openness, patience and opportunity.
Positive - We create a positive environment by encouraging feedback, focusing on solutions, valuing team members, and expressing gratitude.
Sustainable – We strive to operate in a sustainable manner economically and environmentally.
Leadership that Stays Close to the Work
Board of Directors
Tusen Tack is guided by a Board of Directors made up of local community members.
They are not removed from what happens here. They understand the needs, stay involved, and help make sure the organization stays focused on what matters.
Their role is to provide direction, make responsible decisions, and protect the mission so it continues to serve the community the right way.
President
Ken Gagner
Vice President
Dr. Suzanne Begin
Secretary
Greg Korstad
Treasurer
Lois Hesselroth
Director At
Large
Nicole Longtin
Director At
Large
Kim Tepley
Thrift Store Representative
Sherrie Evenson
Thrift Store Representative
Darryl Kukowski
Kitchen Representative
Patty Lind
Event Center Representative
Kelly Nelson
Library
Representative
Gary Skarsten
Food Shelf Representative
Janice Neville
Staff
Executive Director
Becca Hehn
Office Administrator
Christin Caza
Event
Coordinator
Tracy Fix
Event
Coordinator
Becky Turnquist
Leadership that Stays Close to the Work
Committees
Behind every program and event, there are small groups of people taking responsibility and following through.
Committees help plan events, support operations, and improve how things run day to day. They take ideas and turn them into something real.
If you have ever been part of a Tusen Tack event or service, a committee helped make it happen.
- Thrift Store
- Event Center
- Library
- Food Shelf
- Kitchen
- Development
- Communications and Marketing
- Volunteer
- Youth
- Facilities
What this Means for the Community
Donate to Our Community Programs
The work here shows up in everyday life.
- Families find affordable clothing and household items.
- People can access food without driving out of town.
- Hot meals reach those who need them.
- The library provides a place to learn and connect.
- The event center brings people together.
- Everything is built around practical support that people can rely on.
The impact is not driven by outside funding. It comes from the community itself, through donations, volunteer time, and shared effort.
Request Support
Donation Requests
Tusen Tack supports local organizations and community efforts when they align with its mission.
If you are planning an event, program, or initiative and need support, you can submit a donation request for review.
Each request is considered carefully to align with our mission.
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Scholarships
Supporting What Comes Next
Tusen Tack provides scholarships to help local students continue their education.
These opportunities are made possible by community support and are one more way the organization invests in the future.
The People Behind It All
Volunteers
Here are some ways you can get involved:
- Helping at the thrift store with cashiering and donation sorting
- Providing office support for the Event Center, including occasional remote projects
- Assisting the Event Center kitchen with food preparation, serving, or bussing tables
- Setting up for events or pitching in with facility cleaning or maintenance
- Offering IT or AV support for the Event Center activities
- Lending a hand with Alice Studt Library projects
- Joining one of our Tusen Tack Programs committees.