It has been a wild start to 2026, and we’re coming to you today with a mix of celebration, community pride, and—if we’re being completely honest—a bit of a “S.O.S.”
We’ve been part of this beautiful community for nearly a decade, and while we’ve weathered many storms, this winter has been one for the record books. We believe in transparency because you aren’t just customers; you’re the reason our doors stay open.
A Series of Unfortunate Events
Between Mother Nature’s freezing mood swings, the economy, and a major heating issue, things have been a bit too quiet around here lately.
- The Furnace Fiasco: Just as the holiday rush was hitting, our furnace decided to give up the ghost. We were forced to close for an entire week before Christmas (our busiest time of year) while our wonderful landlord took care of it.
- The Deep Freeze: The biting cold hasn’t just been hard on the pipes; it’s kept many of you tucked away at home. We get it, but the empty aisles have made for a very difficult January and February.
- The 2026 Squeeze: Like many of you, we’ve been hit with significant increases in utilities and rent this year. Between the economy and the overhead, we are currently struggling to fully cover our basic bills and store expenses. We know Peter and Paul very well around here.
Why We Keep Kicking (The Mission)
Despite the struggles, we haven’t stopped showing up for our neighbors. We are still here every Tuesday through Saturday, doing everything we can to make this work. Your support of the store allows us to keep these vital resources running:
- Affordability: We remain committed to providing discounted home goods and clothing for all ages, because everyone deserves an awesome “find” that doesn’t break the bank.
- The SNAP Gap: With recent changes to SNAP benefits, our Free Community Food Pantry has seen its highest usage since November 2024 when we hooked up with Foodlink. We’ve expanded the pantry to meet this need, ensuring no one in our community goes hungry.
- Winter Essentials: We’re still providing free coats and socks to keep our neighbors warm.
Upcoming Fire & Ice Festival!
We aren’t down for the count yet! We are leaning into the winter spirit for the Fire & Ice Festival this weekend, February 21st and 22nd. Special Note: We will be OPEN on Sunday for the festival! Come warm up, shop for great deals, and say hello. We’d love to see your faces. We will be running our famous EVERYTHING $1 sale on both days, serving up flavored cocoa samples and running multiple raffles for some pretty awesome gift baskets! The proceeds from these raffles will benefit the store and the free community food pantry.
The “Real Talk” Appeal
We want to be here to celebrate our 10-Year Anniversary this July. Reaching a decade is a milestone we’ve dreamt of, but the brutal reality is this: If we don’t see an increase in community support and funding immediately, we simply won’t be around to cut the cake.
We are getting desperate, and we need your help to keep this community hub alive. Here is how you can help:
- Tell a Friend and Shop Local: Every time you choose us (and other businesses on Main Street) over a big-box retailer, you are voting with your wallet to help keep small businesses afloat. Shoutout to Alice’s Red Rose and Mystic Mermaid.
- Round Up Your Change: When you’re cashing out your great deals at the register, please consider “rounding up” your change. Every little bit helps us.
- Pantry Red Box: Cash and check donations to our pantry’s donation box out back help keep the shelves stocked for those in crisis. We still can get a pound of food for every 19 cents through our Foodlink partnership, so literally every penny, nickel and dime helps us.
- Direct Donations: If you are in a position to make a monetary donation to help us cover rising costs and expenses, please visit our website (https://fingerlakestreasuretrove.org) to make a donation online. You can also donate in-store, or by mail.
- Bigger Solutions: If you have experience in grant writing or fundraising on a bigger scale, and want to share your expertise, please reach out to hello@fingerlakestreasuretrove.org
We’ve been here for 9.5 years because of you. We’re still kicking, but we’re bruised, and we need our community to rally around us now more than ever.
We love this community. Please help us stay a part of it.
Tell your friends about us, bring them in to shop, and SHARE this update on your socials!
With grit and gratitude,
The Treasure Trove Team
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Finger Lakes Treasure Trove
222 S. Main St.
Canandaigua, NY 14424