Currently, there is a special on uniform pieces, said Paula Cardenas, Thrift Shop manager, with tops and bottoms mix-and-match for $20. Mess dress items, patches and PT gear also are available.
“People can consign up to 16 items per week, or up to 32 items if they can show us a copy of their PCS (permanent change of station) orders,” she said. “Consignment hours are 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and people are welcome to stop by to see which items we cannot accept, such as gas-powered items.”
Consignors keep 70 percent of their item’s selling price. The consignment term is for five weeks. At the end of the period, people are welcome to take back any unsold items or donate them to the Thrift Shop.
Anyone who does not wish to consign items is welcome to donate them during the shop’s regular business hours.
Monies raised by the shop go into the OSC’s welfare fund and provide scholarships to military dependent as well as buy holiday meals and gifts for Airmen and their families as needed, and support base events such as a sexual assault response and prevention dinner. Monies also purchase Christmas gifts for any child on base who is not sponsored.
The OSC welfare committee tries to ensure that at least 75 percent of monies raised go to support Airmen, as with the Fishers Houses and First Sergeants Council, with the remainder going to such community needs as area food banks, area after-proms and the House of Bread – to the tune of almost $30,000 in 2017.
Awarding scholarships is a large part of the mission, too; last year $20,000 in college scholarships were awarded to military members’ spouses and dependents.
Jen Bray, OSC president, said that same amount will be awarded May 8 to nine high school graduates and two spouses who are continuing their education.
“It’s great. We are really happy to support the community.
“Donating and consigning here is a win-win,” she continued. “You probably earn more money here than you would at your own yard sale. I clean out my house and bring my own items here. At the same time, our proceeds go to Airmen, children and community organizations.”
Summer clothes are now being accepted, Bray added. “If you try on your summer clothes and they are too big or too small or your kids have outgrown theirs, bring them in – somebody is going to buy them.
“You should always come here before you go anywhere else,” she said.
The Thrift Shop is mostly run by volunteer staff members who donate an average of 800 hours per month.
Regular shopping hours are 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. The shop will be open June 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for its final Saturday of the spring season. The shop will close for the summer June 22 and reopen Aug. 17.
Cash, checks, Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express are acceptable methods of payment.
Parking is available in front of the building and at either end.
More information on consigning, shopping or volunteering can be found online at www.wrightpattersonosc.org, in the Skywrighter, by calling the shop during business houses at 937-879-5630, or by visiting the club’s Facebook page at WPOSC THRIFT SHOP.
Thrift Shop Mother’s Day Special Event
- May 12, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Discounts up to 75 percent off
- Refreshments, surprises included
- Bldg. 95, Wright Avenue, Area A, next to Recreation Supply
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