Thrift store caters to community

Terry Hinson and Kaye Price of Goldsboro call themselves "thrift shop queens." "When we see a sign for a thrift store," explained Price, "it is as exciting to us as if the sign reads, "giving diamonds away!" The Salvation Army Thrift Store sign over Treasure Plaza in Sneads Ferry had lured the women in while on their way to the Topsail beaches.

The Salvation Army Thrift Store does not give diamonds away, but it does offer something even more precious: a helping hand to the community. Toni Scott, the store's new manager sees her job as community outreach. "I want to be able to help this community," she said. 

"She makes you feel right at home," John Mitchell, a regular customer, said about Scott.  Mitchell and Scott became fast friends the day she helped him find a fedora, which still nets him compliments. (The day this reporter spoke to him, Mitchell had come in to surprise Scott with lunch as a token of appreciation.) 

Scott has been manager for just over four months. She has made some significant changes in the store. Donations are better organized and merchandised so items are easier to find. Scott provides a "Wish List" bulletin board for people seeking items in particular. A fresh pot of coffee is always on, as is the lively music. It has become a welcoming place. But what Scott is most proud of is having the resources to help families in the community. 

The store now has a food pantry. A local Cub Scout group donated more than a thousand items, literally filling the pantry, floor to ceiling, with canned goods and boxed items. There is a little red Salvation Army kettle to collect small change donations for coffee and the food contributions of a grocery store chain twice a week. There was enough money collected from the kettle to take care of utility bills for local families. And from the well-stocked pantry, Scott has been able to provide at least twenty-eight families with one week's worth of groceries.

But Scott is not alone in her commitment to caring. She has volunteers to assist customers, sort donations and ensure the store is maintained to Scott's standards. Two of the volunteers are young women.

"I like working with the customers," offered Britney, a volunteer. "They are friendly and I like the different personalities."

Her co-worker Corey said she finds the dedication of her fellow volunteers and the generosity of donors inspiring. "I like what they doing for the community," she said.

Though Scott has a nursing background, she feels fulfilled in her new role managing the Sneads Ferry store. She said, "The job opened up a new avenue of caring for people. This fills the caring part of me."

The Salvation Army thrift store is located in Treasure Plaza on Hwy 210 in Sneads Ferry. Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  They can be reached by phone at (910) 327-2043.