So, we've already awarded two crucial parts to our community: Our Students (the future) and our Voices (bloggers). But, no community can truly thrive without one key element. Did the title give it away? I figured. Yes, you were right if you said Local Businesses!

Therefore, we took the pleasure in holding a vote for the Best Local Business in 2011 in the Limerick, Royersford and Spring City area. We had some amazing nominations, including a historic ice cream shop, a famous breakfast shop, a cozy little coffee hangout, a brand new farm and an antique store. The voting in this competition was the absolute tightest of all of the polls.

And with 708 of the 1,411 votes cast, Open Door, located on Main Street in Royersford, won.

"[We're] excited and honored," said Laurie Faust, who runs the shop. "It's just nice to know people in the community are recognizing us more and more as a community staple."

For those who don't know, the Royersford thrift shop is supported by donations and volunteers. The non-profit provides services to Spring-Ford area residents, including a food pantry, thrift store, clothes closet, wardrobe and a volunteer food program. They also take in old cell phones and printer cartridges, provide a book crossing and a mentoring program. This group of volunteers truly integrates itself into trying to help this community.

Faust said the volunteers and she put the polls all over Facebook and told shoppers about it, as well. It helped that the shop opened up a boutique in the storefront directly next to it on Black Friday. The new shop is called Faith's Fashion and holds a large portion of the ministry's clothing selection.

"We did really well through Christmas," said Faust. "The official numbers aren't in. Beings as it was the first full month, I was really excited. We'll see how it goes. The men's section isn't going so well. I was hoping to change that into a vintage section and open it up to a whole different kind of clientele."

Open Door runs completely on donations, as well as a strong core of weekly volunteers. Faust paid homage to those who work hard to make the store a pleasure to shop in.

"We are just really really blessed," she said. "They're coming from all walks of life and all areas of the community. Even through the community service program. The schools, the kids have to do so many hours of community service to volunteer and give back. We're just blessed. Some days we run out of things for them to do. They can sort hangers, hang clothes, bag food, do windows. Whatever we need them to do, they'll do it."

As for 2012, Open Door has plans of continuing to work on its mentor program.

"It's been difficult, but we're diligent," Faust said. "We're working hard. We're doing a two-day seminar with The Christian Association of Youth Mentoring. They're a national association, so they're coming in this week to help us try to launch it even deeper into the community and try to get that really going."

Overall, Open Door was excited about its award and praised its favorite local information portal.

"Thank you Patch for doing what you do," Faust concluded. "I really appreciate it. I love Patch. I'm always telling people: Get Patched in!"