The E'Town Thrift Shop is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays and 3 to 5 p.m. Saturdays.
Beginning March 13, drop off donations at United Church of Christ Hall from 10 a.m. to noon the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. To volunteer or for more information, call Sharon Martin 873-2698 or Kathy Linker at 873-6493.
ELIZABETHTOWN — A little over a year ago, the upstairs at the Deer's Head Inn was vacant, but through the hard work of a myriad of volunteers and the generosity of the inn's owners, the E-Town Thrift Shop flourishes there now.
The shop, operational for just over a year, is an ecumenical effort between the United Church of Christ, Good Shepherd Episcopal Church and St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church, all in Elizabethtown; and the Lewis Congregational Church.
One of the primary reasons for the success is the magnanimous contribution of space by the proprietors of the Deer's Head Inn.
"We really want to thank Rob and Karin DeMuro, Matt and Joanne Baldwin and Joyce Bethlehem, who have allowed the shop to operate without cost for rent and utilities," emphasized volunteer Sharon Martin, shop leader for Good Shepherd Episcopal. "We couldn't do it without them."
On this particular afternoon before the holidays, she worked in the shop with Church of Christ Leader Kathy Gregoire, Congregational Church Leader Kathy Linker and Janis Rock, who represents St. Elizabeth's.
The inn owners have recently informed the shop that the agreement will continue for at least another year, Martin said.
Combining the efforts of the four churches not only provides for more helpers but also brings those denominations and the community together for the common good, the leaders agreed.
"This is one of the best things that's ever happened to Elizabethtown," Martin said in a phone interview Wednesday. "Now, everybody (from different churches) just works together. A lot of new friendships are being formed."
low prices
In its first year, the ecumenical venture brought in more than $14,000, with each church receiving more than $3,500. The funds have helped defray the cost of rising heating bills as well as assist church and community members.
In addition, much merchandise has been given to individuals and families in need. Most often, local organizations such as ACAP will send a request to provide those in need with clothing and household items, the volunteers said.
"We give away a lot," Martin said. "That's what it's all about — helping those who really need it."
Often, those staffing the shop will reduce the prices on items for patrons who are economically less fortunate.
Sometimes, those who can afford to pay more and feel they are receiving a bargain will inform the staff to "keep the change."
Price are kept deliberately low, Martin said. Items in the children's room range from 50 cents to rarely more than $2. In the adult room, most sweaters and slacks are tagged at $2.
Some goods donated to the shop are bagged up and sent to the poor in Nicaragua, Martin said.
The thrift store offers a plethora of items including housewares, clothing, jewelry, tools, music, movies, toys, books and more.
VOLUNTEERS WELCOME
Larger items, such as furniture and appliances, are advertised on a bulletin board, as they are kept by their donors until they are purchased. Also, patrons looking for a larger item can leave a posting on that space.
Volunteers are still welcome, even if it's only for a two-hour shift per month. A person does not have to be affiliated with a church to help.
Except for those big items that can be posted on the bulletin board, the shop won't accept new donations until the second Saturday in March.
"Spring and summer clothing," Martin said.
Clothing, as does any donation, must be gently used and clean.
"We're very selective about what we keep," she said.
Like similar ventures, the shop's biggest problem occurs when individuals donate items that can't be sold due to poor condition or because they are soiled. Often these contributions have to be taken to the landfill, which cuts into profits.
Looking toward the future, the E-Town Thrift Shop hopes to eventually find a new home, as the present upstairs location is not handicap-accessible. And with more room, more inventory could be made available. Currently, sorting of items has to be done in more spacious accommodations — two classrooms at the United Church of Christ.
"Which makes it somewhat difficult," said Gregoire.
The new location would have to be rent free or at a very reasonable rate.
E-mail Alvin Reiner at: rondackrambler@yahoo.com
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