PICC opens thrift; to host Attic Treasure sale
Offering everything from baby booties to sofas, the Pine Island Community Church recently opened a very unique thrift shop. Sharing a wealth of donations with the community, volunteers are doing their best to make sure everyone’s needs are fulfilled.
“All of the items we have on display are very moderately priced and most of the people who have come in to shop have been delighted with what we have to offer, said Thrift Store manager, Linda Davis. “There also have been several people come in who are obviously in need and are a little embarrassed as they have never found themselves in this position before. We often hear stories about how families are doing without because a major bread winner is out of a job and we do our absolute best to help these people. In return they are always so grateful.”
The store contains items like bedding, furniture, toys, clothing, housewares, lamps, small appliances and on occasion pieces of artwork.
“I am always amazed when someone comes in with a piece of original art from a local artist to donate to the store,” Davis said. “Sometimes it’s even the artist themselves making the donation. This community is truly generous and giving.”
While the church will accept just about any donation, there are those that they cannot re-sell.
“We have found that it is nearly impossible to move things like television sets, computers or computer equipment,” said Davis. “The reason is that in most cases with televisions, they are not digital and cannot pick up a signal and as far as computers, most times they have problems and with the quick change in technology with these items, replacing parts to get them to run is nearly impossible. The problem of disposing of them then becomes ours so we would prefer not to take them. We also ask that anyone who brings in anything that it be in good working condition.”
Due to the tremendous response for donations to the thrift store, the church also has organized a special Attic Treasure Sale to take place this weekend.
The Attic Treasure Sale will take place on Jan. 14 and 15 at the Pine Island Community Church located in the Industrial Park from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. In addition to typical sale items, members of the church also will offer homemade jams, jellies, salsa and pickles for sale as well as homebaked goods available for purchase. The youth group also will sell grilled hamburgers and hot dogs during the two-day event. The highlight of the event will be a live auction presented by professional auctioneer Bruce Swanson. A licensed and bonded auctioneer, Swanson has many years of experience.
“For our first time, last year’s auction went very well and was well attended. At this point we have some great tools and other items to auction off, but I am sure more will come in as the auction approaches,” Swanson said. “We are hoping that someone will come forward with a big ticket item like a car or boat and I won’t be surprised if that happens knowing how generous this community is.”
Those who would like to donate items to either the thrift store or to the Attic Treasure sale may do so by dropping them off at the Thrift Store located at 5320 Doug Taylor Circle in the Industrial Park on Monday through Saturday during regular business hours. Or call to arrange the pick up of larger items by calling the church office at 283-9944.