Base thrift shop offers low prices, wide selection

October 31, 1997
Originally published by Fairchild Connection (Fairchild AFB, WA)

Do you want to buy furniture for your new home, but don't have the money to spring for it? Have you ever had an old desk or table you must part with, but don't know how to let it go? How about needing an old couch just to kick back on?

Maybe you're looking for a good coat or some clothes for the kids.

If you have always wanted a place to buy used furniture at a great prices for your dorm room or you need to dump that old bunk bed for a PCS move, help is righr under your nose. The Fairchild Thrift shop is the place for all your household goods and slightly used clothing needs.

Sponsored by the Officers' Wives Club, the shop is open Mondays from 5 to 7:30 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The shop is located in Bldg. 2001B, 8 S. Olympia Ave.

It is not only a shop where customers can buy household goods and clothing at low prices, but also, toys and sporting equipment. Donations are always accepted.

Profits go to charity and the scholarship fund, which is open to everyone in the military family.

Carolyn Clark, manager of the shop, has been volunteering on base since March. But her experience in helping customers stretches back nearly 25 years. "I've volunteered at every thrift shop at all the bases we've been stationed," she says. Her husband, CMSgt. Nickey Clark, is the senior enlisted advisor for the 92nd Air Refueling Wing. Carolyn has been the shop's manager since September.

"It is very busy," Clark says on her duties as manager. "We work very hard here."

Everyone at the shop has a volunteer position, except for the manager and bookkeeper who are contracted. Volunteers are all ranks on active duty, dependents and retirees, according to Clark. "Anyone with a valid base ID card can join our team and help, she said.

Most of the funds the shop raises go to the scholarship fund, while some go to charities such as the Enlisted Widows' Home, Boy and Girl Scouts or Shriners Hospital for Children. "All the money goes back to the community," Clark said.

"I get a tremendous sense of pride when I see kids that have gotten the chance to go to college and knowing that in some way I helped," Clark said. "However, while the scholarship fund is our biggest focus, it's not our only focus."

Donations are accepted and welcome at the shop. "In case someone is having a PCS move or garage sale and didn't sell all their goods, they can come here," said Clark. In a consignment, the seller earns 80 percent of the selling price of the item, according to Clark.

"There are also people who believe in what we do and just donate for the cause," Clark said. "It does two things--supports our own and keep things within the military community. We get a large clientele of customers, both retired and active duty, and dependents. Such a large amount of people help make this shop what it is."

Added Clark, "The retired volunteers are an amazing resource for new families on base."

Dottie McClure, wife of MSgt. John McClure, has done 23 years of volunteering. "Once you start doing it, you just keep on doing it," she said. "You meet new people on base, you can sell your used stuff. If you don't have room for some tables, you can bring them in. You get a profit, and we make one, too. It helps our young airmen on base that are getting started, and helps some others get rid of unused items.

"Anyone can volunteer here. It's friendships, meeting people," McClure added. "Come out and shop."

Clark summed up her feelings about the thift shop with, "Proceeds benefit so many people and organizations. The goods are sold at such a good price that shoppers not only support multiple charities but benefit themselves from the bargains. Whether thrift shop patrons donate, consign, shop or volunteer--we all become winners together."