The Thrift Shop ministry remains committed to the two-fold mission with which it began in 2011: to serve the community not only with a variety of reasonably priced goods, but also with dignity, compassion, and friendliness.

Over the years the shop has seen significant changes. It is now open three days every week from February to mid-December: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 9:30 am to 1:30 pm.

The inventory of gently used treasures now occupies more than twice as much space. One entire room is dedicated to clothing, another to children’s toys, and another to houseware—sets of dishes, glasses, cookware, lamps, small appliances, and miscellaneous household items. Another smaller room contains books, stationery, bedding, and linens. The hallway is like an additional room. Paintings hang from one wall. Shelves, cabinets, and racks neatly line the other wall, containing jewelry, games and puzzles, CDs & DVDs, vintage items, sports equipment, tools, and much more.

Each fall one of the sorting rooms is magically transformed into the Donna Eddy Christmas Room—everything Christmas, both decorations and moderately priced gifts. Regular customers love the room and eagerly anticipate its opening each October.

The number of volunteers has doubled, but the relationship between volunteers and patrons has not changed from the original vision. The volunteers experience a high rate of satisfaction. They have direct contact with the patrons who often compliment the shop’s friendly atmosphere, and express pleasure with their purchases. Loyal regulars come in every week to check for new items. Some of the regulars are lonely, and perhaps have a greater need for talking than for shopping. There are new faces, first-timers who come in because a friend recommended our shop. Volunteers and shoppers get to know each other. They share stories and experiences, sometimes with laughter and sometimes with tears.

Team leader Diana Mullady highlights the spirit of cooperation within the volunteers. “There are a lot of different jobs, and they all matter: sorting the donations, pricing items, displaying, working at the cash register, keeping everything neat and clean. Everyone finds a task that suits them. Everyone contributes and everything gets done.”

Without donations from the congregation and community, the Thrift Shop could not survive. People come with one small bag, or several large bags, or trunkloads, or they make multiple trips with a fully loaded vehicle. “What a blessing!” the team says, and means it!

The Thrift Shop often donates clothing and household items to victims of flooding, fire, or other tragic circumstance. Sheets and blankets, and winter jackets may be donated to Maureen’s Haven. Kent Animal Shelter gets towels, blankets and sheets that will not be sold. Big Brothers Big Sisters makes a weekly pickup at the shop.
The Thrift Shop is a successful endeavor, in all the ways that we measure its success: additional income for the church, contented volunteers, and happy customers. Additional volunteers are always welcome!