Attention shoppers ? great bargains and a good cause await you at the Oxford/Orion FISH resale shop in the Village of Thomas.
FISH held an open house Friday to give the public an opportunity to check out its new operations inside the old Thomas Community Hall (487 First St.)
The front half of the building houses the famous FISH food pantry which feeds hundreds of local families and individuals in need on a monthly basis.
Behind the pantry, the hall’s rear portion has been converted into a resale shop dubbed the ‘Clothes Closet.?
Unfortunately, business has ‘been slow? since the resale shop opened its doors in February, according to FISH volunteer Sandy Weaver, who co-manages the resale shop with Lynne McLoskey.
‘People don’t know we’re here,? Weaver said. ‘A lot of people don’t realize that they can come and shop. It’s open to the public.?
A wide variety of second-hand clothing, household items and toys line the numerous shelves and racks.
‘We have every type of clothing from infant all the way up to adult,? Weaver said.
With a selection that includes dresses, suits, pants, shirts, shoes, sweatshirts, purses and other accessories, there’s a little something for everyone.
All items donated for resale must be ‘clean? and in ‘good condition,? according to Weaver. Gently used and new items are appreciated.
Household items include kitchen utensils, glassware, mugs, salt and pepper shakers, lots of bedding and small appliances like coffee makers, toasters and microwaves.
‘We have a lot of items you could use to start up an apartment,? Weaver said. ‘The bedding is real popular.?
And don’t worry about the prices.
‘We’ve priced everything real low so it’s very affordable for people,? she said. ‘The (clothing) prices are anywhere from a quarter to ? probably the most expensive item is $10 for a two-piece suit . . . I bet most of it’s like $2-$3.?
‘Most utensils are 25 cents or two for 25 cents,? Weaver said. ‘The most expensive bedding is a whole set for $10.?
Money generated by the shop helps FISH pay for the building’s utilities and maintenance.
Weaver noted the shop is run by volunteers, not run by paid employees, so no one is personally profiting.
To make the shop more parent-friendly, a children’s play area has been set up to keep the little ones busy while mom or dad shops. ‘They have their own area,? said McLoskey. ‘And they get a free book and a free toy to take home.?
Right now, Weaver said the Clothes Closet is only taking spring and summer clothing.
Donations are taken by appointment only and can be made by calling (248) 693-0638.
Receipts for tax purposes are available.
While donations are always appreciated, Weaver wished to remind everyone, ‘We need shoppers too.?
The resale shop is open Tuesday 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday 1 to 4 p.m. and Friday12:30 to 3 p.m. It’s also open on the third Saturday of each month from 9:30 a.m. to 12: 30 p.m.
The shop’s closed on Sunday and Monday.
Beginning Friday, April 14 (Good Friday) the Clothes Closet will be closed until April 24 when it reopens with spring items.
For more information about FISH check out the group’s website at www.oxfordorionfish.org.