Goodwill keeps local thrift shop going
Published 4:00 pm Tuesday, November 16, 2010
- Employees at Sue Z Q's, some in costume for a party last month, say they are ready to help customers find thrift store treasures. From left are (front) Pam Ellis, Courtney Holbrook and Deronda Lallatin, (back) Lyssa McKrola (manager), Charley Fronapel, Elizabeth Swarthout, Brian McKrola and Fran Banks. Also on the crew, but not in the photo, Katie Latham.
JOHN DAY Items which are unwanted by one person, may be a treasure to another; however when youre donating treasures to a thrift shop be sure they are usable.
At Sue Z Qs thrift shop, 777 E. Main, you never know what you might find: a perfect fitting shirt, a long sought-after book, greeting cards, jewelry, sporting equipment, furniture, kitchen items, toys, curling irons … the list goes on.
Its all made possible through the goodwill of others who share their lightly used treasures.
We appreciate items that come in good condition, said Kim Joslin. We would not be able to function without the donations.
Joslin is executive director of Value Added, a nonprofit that runs the shop. Her sister Lyssa McKrola is program manager for Value Added and office manager at the store.
Value Added has a mission to add value to the lives of people with developmental disabilities, the communities in which they live and those who support them.
Sue Z Qs employs six people, and they provide activities for eight individuals with developmental disabilities, including occasional trips out of town.
The individuals keep busy sorting and cleaning items, stocking shelves, running the cash register an d providing customer service.
McKrola and Joslin have tips for those wishing to donate.
Items may be dropped off only during business hours Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.- shopping hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and the 2nd and 4th Saturdays with the shop closed during major holidays.
If special arrangements are needed, call McKrola or Joslin at 541-575-0715. If there is any question about whether a donation is usable, ask an employee.
Tax receipts will be given to the donors.
They cannot accept household chemicals, used batteries or hazardous materials.
Broken-down furniture has been a problem on occasion.
Theres a difference between used and broken-down furniture, McKrola noted.
She said that following the guidelines will help them keep prices down.
Were a community service, and we want to spend our time supporting our employees and providing good quality items to the public, said Joslin.
She said their success over the past year and a half is in part due to great donations from community members who support the cause.
