Thrift shop: Base store collects, sells items many people need

  • Published
  • By Capt. Nora Eyle
  • 90th Space Wing Public Affairs
F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo. --  A base-wide secret. Talked about in hushed tones and whispered around corners, only one thing is certain: If you need something, the Warren Thrift Shop may have it. 

Donating items to the thrift shop empties an overstuffed closet, readies households for a permanent change of station or cleans a messy garage, said Laureen Pidgeon, thrift shop manager. The best part is the donation can be written up as tax write off. 

"We love donated items because 100 percent of the selling price goes to the Warren Spouses Club Welfare fund, more for scholarships," Mrs. Pidgeon said. 

If profit is sought, consigning items is the perfect choice, Mrs. Pidgeon said. Consignment means that an item is given to the thrift shop and if sold, then the seller gets 75 percent and the shop gets the rest. 

That 25 percent goes into the Warren Spouses Club Welfare Account, which funds scholarships and distributes donations to nonprofit organizations on and off base, she said. However, in consignment sales, there's no guarantee the items will be purchased. The seller is not promised a profit. 

"Consigning items is a great way to make some extra money from things you don't want anymore," Mrs. Pidgeon said. "One person's junk is another's treasure. You get 12 weeks of selling time, and it is so much easier than having a garage or a yard sale." 

The thrift shop manager and her 26 volunteers ensure new items are placed on the racks, and displays are set up regularly. These volunteers are always looking for ways to keep expenses down, and they appreciate when people donate cleaning supplies, packing tape, invisible tape refills, rubber-bands and other items that are required for the day-to-day operation of the store. Volunteers are always welcome, Mrs. Pidgeon said. 

"The volunteers are what keeps [the shop] running," she added. 

Shelves are restocked frequently as items are moved to the 113 clearance area, she said. A buyer's paradise. Every third Thursday of the month, a clearance area bag sale takes place; a grocery bag of items sells for $4. 

Last week, the thrift shop sold $2,100 worth of items. A large part of that success may be because the store is now open Saturday as well as Thursday, she said. 

"Opening on the first and third Saturday, gives people that can't break away from work on Thursdays, the ability to consign and shop," Mrs. Pidgeon continued. "I highly encourage people who have never stopped by to take the time to come by and see what we have. There is something for everyone." 

The WSC will award at least nineteen scholarships this year because of the basket auction and sales at the thrift store, Mrs. Pidgeon said. If May goes well with sales, then the three alternates recipients may also receive scholarships. 

"The Thrift Shop is an amazing asset to the families of F. E. Warren," said Nicole Williams, WSC president. "Laureen, Chantel [Seelye] and all the volunteers do an amazing job making sure the Thrift Shop is kept clean and well stocked with new and gently used merchandise. They take a lot of pride in what they are doing and it shows." 

Mrs. Pidgeon will be leaving next month after a year and a half on the job, but Mrs. Seelye, the assistant manager, will fill in when she departs. For more information on the thrift shop or to volunteer, call 632-3398. 

(Editor's note: This is part two of a three part series.)