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Tough times call for 'thrifty' sales

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Bekah Phy
  • 305th Air Mobility Wing public affairs
McGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. --  It's still not too late to reserve a spot in the Thrift Shop's annual Fall Yard Sale Oct. 4, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the parking lot outside the store. Spots can be reserved until the day of the event or can be taken that day on a first-come, first-served basis. 

"The yard sale and the Thrift Shop are great places to find your treasures at very reasonable prices," said Helen Lacher, Thrift Shop manager. "We also have household items, which can be great for single servicemembers or students (on a budget)." 

"In today's economy, everyone needs a break," Ms. Lacher said. "Items here (and at the yard sale) are definitely thrifty, so come and get bargains galore!" 

The Thrift Shop, which is run by the McGuire Officers' Spouses' Club, continually accepts donations of all kinds, including furniture, dishes, clothes and more. Anything that is not used is donated to charities and other local organizations that need it, Ms. Lacher said. 

Those who are looking to make a profit while still giving to the Thrift Shop can turn in items on consignment; the customer sets the price and when the item is sold, the Thrift Shop keeps 20 percent. 

"I'm at the Thrift Shop on a weekly basis," said George Stieff, Jr., a retired Army staff sergeant. "I co-sign items, where the Thrift Shop keeps a portion of the profit, and I also look for things I'm interested in. I'm looking for mostly antique items, but also for golf equipment ... when I'm not at the Thrift Shop, I'm golfing," he jokingly said. 

"I'm also at the Thrift Shop pretty often ... probably too often," said Patricia Stacy, wife of Master Sgt. Ron Stacy, 305th Medical Group. "I look at everything to see what I can find - I find a lot of things at great prices ... my husband and I came to last year's yard sale, and I'll definitely check out this one!" 

All proceeds received by the Thrift Shop go directly to scholarships and community grants. For the Yard Sale, sellers are required to pay a $10 fee to reserve their spot, but keep all of their profits. 

The Thrift Shop accepts donations during regular business hours, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and the first Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is preferred for donations to be dropped off during these hours, but if not, a Thrift Shop donation box is located out front of the store. Consignments, which must be pre-coordinated with a Thrift Shop staff member, are accepted from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday through Friday.