ALGreaterPlacer-Nuggets

  Written by Janet Wheatley
The Assistance League^® Thrift Shop is located at 1263 Grass Valley Highway. The shop is staffed entirely by chapter members, who volunteer over 13,000 hours per year to operate the shop. The members pride themselves on the appearance and value in the shop and the friendly “staff” who greet every customer. Many customers are back week after week and are also donors to the shop. The income from the shop provides about 65 % of the funding for the chapter’s fifteen philanthropic programs.

The Thrift Shop was opened in April 1982, in a one thousand square foot storefront.  Two moves and two expansions/remodels later, the shop, now located in a 4,000 square foot space, is still located in Fiddler Green Plaza. After the latest expansion, in 2016, there is now room for small furniture pieces and there are individual areas for men’s, ladies and children’s clothing, including shoes and accessories.  The shop also carries linens, art work, fabrics and sewing notions. Household items include many lovely dishes, glasses, kitchen items and decorator items.

The shop has had many managers over the years; all have been volunteer members of Assistance League. There are specially trained teams who process linens, art, shoes, children’s clothing, especially high quality “Boutique” ladies clothing, toys, jewelry, scarves and belts, fabrics and holiday items. Backroom crews process the donations that are received daily. There is a crew of Assistance League members working in the back room almost every day of the week. Items that cannot be used by the thrift shop are passed on to other non-profits.

There are scheduled sales of merchandise as the seasons change, including a “Back to School” sale of children’s jackets, hoodies, and other items at the end of the summer. The shop holds “Customer Appreciation Days” and “Senior Discount Days” on a regular basis.  Special sales are held when a large donation of a specific item is received. A “prom dress sale” is currently being planned. Stop by and see what’s on the floor. The Shop is open Tuesday – Friday 10:00-4:00 and on Saturday 10:00 – 3:00.

Working with Placer Adult School Passages Program the Assistance League’s Dressing for Success Program furnishes clothing and accessories for adults entering or re-entering the work force. The goal is to give these people the skills and confidence they need to get and keep a job.  Outfits are provided for the all-important interview and for the job. By suggesting items from the Thrift Shop, the members of this philanthropic committee are able to help the individuals find several outfits and accessories, within the designated budget of $50.00 per person. These people are amazed at the exceptional clothing and accessories available in the shop for both men and women.

This Thrift Shop has received the Auburn Journal’s “Best of the Best” award several times and is recognized as one of the classiest thrift shops in the area. It is truly like walking into a fine department store.

More about Assistance League of Greater Placer – click here.