Thrift Store Opens to the Public

The approximately 5,000-square-foot thrift store, at 210 Cleveland Ave. in Martinsville, now is open to the public from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursdays. It offers such items as clothing (men’s, women’s, children’s, plus sizes and maternity), accessories, shoes, undergarments, household items, furniture, toys, baby supplies, bedding, books and housewares.

Until now, only those whose income qualified them for help could shop at the thrift store. Despite the change, the main goal of the shop remains — to help supply the needs of the less fortunate, according to Nancy Nelson, director of operations of the Community Storehouse.

Nearly all of the items cost only 10 cents each. Large furniture items, nicer electronic items and large appliances are priced higher but still far below the items’ worths.

Nelson said the purpose of opening the thrift store to the public is to generate more income for the Community Storehouse, which offers a variety of programs to combat poverty and hunger and their causes as well as family crises, Nelson said.

The storehouse has an annual operating budget of about $100,000 and at times runs in the red. Nelson said that because the thrift store sells thousands of clothing items a week, having a price of generally 10 cents an item could generate much needed income. Most items in the store are donated, and most — but not all — are used.

The storehouse receives income from an annual television station telethon and donations from some churches, businesses, organizations and individuals, Nelson said. It also frequently seeks grants, often with limited success, Nelson said.

Full Article - Appeared in the Martinsville Bulletin - By PAUL COLLINS