Thrift store offers good products at good prices

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kristina Overton
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  When it comes to purchasing basic necessities, the average shopper knows that there's nothing quite like getting a good deal. For military families or single Airman starting out, items such as clothing and and furniture are often purchased. Fortunately, there's a facility where those same essential items can be bought for significantly less than what regular department stores would charge. The Thrift Store and Consignment Shop offer a wide variety of gently used items for a fraction of the average cost.

"Our purpose here is to provide support to the military by providing an alternative place to shop and buy needed items without the hassle of them being overpriced," said Joy Schell, Thrift Store manager. "We see everyone from Airman clear up to retirees come in, and there's something for everybody."

The base Thrift Store offers a large inventory of items to include a variety of clothing ranging from infants to adults, furniture, household items, books, toys and electronics.

The Thrift Store is not only a great place to shop, but a great place to work.

"I've been in Montana 27 years and just started working here after retirement about five years ago," said Mary Margret Hjorth, Thrift Store volunteer. "It's an absolute great place to work. I volunteer one day a week on Fridays and I just love it. Before working here, I'd been shopping in thrift stores for 45 years, and you find some of the best bargains."

As people come in to buy new items, others are coming in to place items up for sale. This steady rotation contributes to the constant change in stock, and the increased possibility of finding something new and useful with every visit.

"When you have something that's no longer useful, you can always come bring it in to sell to someone else who could use it," Mrs. Hjorth said. "Normally as people come in to consign, they find something in here that they like and buy it. New things are always coming in."

To consign, bring the items intended to be sold to the Thrift Store. There, volunteers will help to price the items and prepare them to be tagged and shelved to be put up for sale. For each item purchased, the consigner receives a portion of the profit. The rest of the profits are donated to the Malmstrom Spouses' Club for supported welfare projects.

MSC members support and also volunteer at the Thrift Store, who raise money for select charities including college scholarships.

"There isn't a set number of volunteers, so we're always looking for more," Mrs. Schell said. "All they have to do it just show up and let us know they are interested, and we'll put them to work. We develop a sense of family working here, and just have a good time."

The Thrift Store is open to all active-duty members and their families, retirees and DoD employees.

The store is located in Building 581 on Goddard Drive and is open every Tuesday and Friday and first Saturday of the month from 10 to 2 p.m.

To volunteer or for more information, call 731-3213.