One Less Orphan Benefit Shop opened a new bookstore Jan. 6 at 1456 Olney Ave SE in Port Orchard, which raises money for orphans, families struggling with finances, and those funding adoptions.
For about six years, the nonprofit functioned as a thrift store, but in the new year has made some changes, now focusing on books and school supplies. “Book and homeschool curriculum sales have always been one of the largest sources of income at our thrift store, so it made sense to go forward with that model,” said co-owner Bethany Tilzey, who works alongside husband Dennis Tilzey. “Additionally, we as a family are big readers and just love books. We also homeschool our kids. There is a huge homeschool community in Kitsap County, so selling curriculum in person, not just online, is highly desired!”
The bookstore focuses on both new and used books, as well as providing educational materials in their school curriculum selection. Their shelves are stocked with a mix of brand new first-run book titles from popular authors to antique books, up to centuries old. One Less Orphan also maintains a stock of school uniform clothing, sheet music, toys, and new and used musical instruments at a discounted price.
One Less Orphan was created in 2019, after the Tilzeys were inspired when they adopted two children from China. The couple now has nine children total, four of them adopted. “We had five biological children, then we decided to pursue adoption. We ‘found’ our daughter Erienne in Changzhou, China. While finishing up paperwork for her adoption, we found out about Nora in Xi’an, China. She needed an expedited adoption due to her very serious heart condition. We prayed about it and knew that she belonged in our family,” said Tilzey. “Four days later, we flew with (Erienne) to Xi’an, where a very sick Nora was brought to our hotel room. We named her Nora Grace because it was only the grace of God that kept her alive until we could get her to America and into the open heart surgery she needed.”
The Tilzeys’ journey with adoption doesn’t stop there. “We thought we were done adopting until early 2023. We heard about a baby boy (Solomon) in Texas (who) had a genetic syndrome. About a month after adopting Solomon, we found out about a five-week-old baby girl with the same genetic syndrome,” Tilzey shared. “We are now a family of 11– well, 12 now as our oldest son got married last summer!”
One Less Orphan stems from the hearts of the Tilzey family, with their own experiences inspiring and motivating them to give back to the community. “We are passionate about getting vulnerable children into families and reducing the need for adoptive families where possible as well,” Tilzey said.
Proceeds from the nonprofit are donated to organizations around Washington and the nation. “One of the organizations we love to support is the Family Unity project at Love Without Boundaries. This organization helps to reduce the number of abandoned children in several developing nations. They identify families who are at risk of abandoning their children due to high medical costs, and they help with those costs,” said Tilzey. “If children can ever safely stay with their birth families, we want to help make that happen.” After six and a half years, One Less Orphan knew that they could give more grants with a smaller space and a higher income.
Tilzey shared One Less Orphan’s goals as they continue to grow into their new space. “We wanted to continue to have a place where the community could come together, get a free cup of coffee, let their kids play in our play area, relax, and get books at great prices! We had a great response from the community these first two open days, so we’re hopeful that this bookstore will be a success,” she said.
