The shop also takes consignments as long as the person has a valid Department of Defense identification card. Consignment hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. After establishing an account, consignors can complete a contract to sell 16 items per week and receive 70 percent of the sold items’ sale price. The length of time of each contract is five weeks.
After five weeks, consignors are welcome to retrieve their items or donate them to the shop. Those donations are then priced at 50 percent off for a week, then 75 percent off. Items still unsold are donated to the Airman’s Attic or community resale shops.
“We try to spread the wealth,” said manager Paula Cardenas, “and we really appreciate the donations as they are 100 percent profit for us. That means we can give more funds to the Officers’ Spouses’ Club welfare fund.”
The thrift shop is mostly run by 45 volunteers/OSC members who donate hundreds of hours per month. The OSC’s welfare fund helps support different programs in the local and national military and Miami Valley communities. Organizations that have benefited include the Air Force Sergeants Association, Honor Flight, local high school after-prom committees and more.
Sales proceeds from the 2018-2019 season – more than 30,000 items were sold – allowed the OSC to award $22,000 in scholarships to high school students and military spouses this spring.
“We invite you to come save money and support the community,” said Beth Newberry, assistant manager/bookkeeper and volunteer.
Volunteers say they benefit from their work.
“Knowing that the money raised goes to such good causes is my motivation to volunteer here,” said Caroline Bunch, wife of Gen. Arnold Bunch Jr., commander of Air Force Materiel Command.
“This is my sanity day,” said De McMurry, wife of Lt. Gen. Robert McMurry Jr., commander of Air Force Life Cycle Management Center. “It is my chance to interact with people, and there are always treasures. You never know what you are going to find.”
She has volunteered at the shop for three years and at shops where the family has been stationed for more than 20 years.
McMurry encourages consignors to bring their goods to the shop.
“It’s a great deal for people who are looking to make a little extra money,” she said. “The 70 percent of the sale is a lot better than you’ll receive elsewhere.”
The seasoned volunteer also pointed to the opportunity the shop affords to recycle and reuse items.
“Thrift shops are great for that,” McMurry said. “If something doesn’t fit anymore, bring it to the thrift shop for consignment or donation instead of throwing it away. … The funds raised support many organizations, so it’s a win-win.”
The shop is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and select Saturdays, starting Sept. 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is open to anyone who has base access. For more details, call 937-879-5630 or by visiting the club’s Facebook page at WPOSC THRIFT SHOP.
About the Author