According to Beverly Howlett, Family Services Program Manager, the idea for a thrift store originated from the former Furniture Barn program at Opportunities, in which the agency accepted donations of pre-owned furniture from the public and distributed it to residents who were in need.  However, some donors also donated pots, pans, wall hangings and other items with their furniture, leaving the agency with a growing inventory of perfectly usable items for redistribution.  “The economy is tough, and everyone is looking for ways to make ends meet; we thought this was a natural progression for the program.  Plus, it's all about recycling and reusing things and keeping them out of landfills,” said Ms. Howlett.  While there are other thrift stores in the area, the intent of the store is to simply provide another place for people to purchase low-priced goods as a service to our community, and not to compete with anyone else.  “Why throw anything away when there is someone out there that could use them?” said Ms. Howlett.

Donor generosity will be key in the store's success, both in terms of donated items and volunteer time.  "The goal is ultimately to run the store with volunteers", said Ms. Howlett.  New inventory is arriving each day, with items aggressively priced to move quickly.

The agency eventually plans to set designated drop-off times for items to be donated. However, for the time being, anyone interested in donating items or volunteering at the store is asked to call Shauna Farney at 376-2981, or at 376-8202, ext. 260.  

The store is open from 9 A.M. until 3 P.M. Mondays through Fridays, except on public holidays.   Net proceeds from the store will help support current or future services for low-income residents of Lewis County.