We're Not a Building, We're a Community
In 1989, two determined women in Braham, Minnesota looked at their community and asked a simple question: what do our neighbors actually need?
Lucy Nelson and Mae Nordeen started a thrift store with donated clothing, secondhand goods, and the belief that ordinary people — working together — could take care of each other. They called it Tusen Tack. A Swedish phrase meaning "a thousand thanks." Thirty-six years later, that same spirit still runs everything. Every volunteer who sorts donations, every coordinator who helps a couple plan their wedding, every driver who delivers a hot meal — they're all part of the same story.
Today, Tusen Tack Community Programs operates five services: the Braham Event Center, the Tusen Tack Thrift Store, the Braham Area Food Shelf, the Alice Studt Library, and Kathy's Kitchen. No corporate backing. No paid staff running the floor. Just neighbors taking care of neighbors in East Central Minnesota.
Tusen Tack Community Programs is a nonprofit based in Braham, Minnesota (population 1,789) that has provided services and community enrichment to residents of East Central Minnesota for over 30 years. We have a few staff and over 200 volunteers that contribute more than 30,000 hours annually to improve the lives of our neighbors. Our programs include: • Braham Area Food Shelf • Alice Studt Library • Tusen Tack Thrift Store • Kathy's Kitchen • Braham Event Center Here at Tusen Tack Community Programs, we know there are thousands of other organizations for you to donate to and we sincerely appreciate your contribution to our important cause. Tusen Tack means “thousand thanks” in Swedish. We are grateful for all our volunteers and the financial support from individuals like you! See our Community Impact Statement for more information on the impact we have made in our communities!
Where every moment becomes a memory!
Whether you're planning a wedding, a business tradeshow, or a community fundraiser, the Braham Event Center is a fully equipped venue that delivers a professional, personal experience every time. Space for 400+, a commercial kitchen, a stage, a bridal suite, and a team of people who want your event to go right.
Giving you the best food to discover
Kathy’s Kitchen is a volunteer-run, full-service catering provider located within the Braham Event Center.With a fully equipped commercial kitchen, they provide catering services for all types of events such as weddings, galas, and meetings, with proceeds going to support Tusen Tack programs and events.
Where knowledge comes alive!
Our pantry is the heart of a family meal!
Find your treasure at our thrift store!
Gently used clothing, furniture, and home goods at affordable price. Every purchase you make at the Thrift Store directly funds the programs that keep this community strong. Shop with purpose
Upcoming Activities & Events
Come as You Are. Leave as a Neighbor
From community fundraisers to wedding open houses to public bingo nights — something is always happening at Tusen Tack. Check the calendar and come find your people.
No upcoming events found.
What People Say
Don't Take Our Word for It
Real reviews from real people in this community. Because that's what actually matters.
The Braham is a blessing to have in our comunity! Very professional and helpful every step of our planning and setup. We've been using them for our annual event for about 10 years running. They're catered food has always been amazing! Like it was cooked in grandma's kitchen!
Over just over a a year ago I had a devastating fire that left me with absolutely nothing accept the clothes on my back the beautiful ladies down there have helped me get through this time and it is so greatly appreciated with blankets an extra little things that they asked if I need I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart
Great thrift store. It's more like many small thrift shops in one thrift shop mall. Very nice merchandise with reasonable prices. We'll worth the trip.