Volunteers open new Community Care Thrift Shop

Debbie Manlow and Debbie MacDonald Moynes celebrate the opening of the shop by peeling the brown paper off the windows.

Volunteers, board members, staff and shoppers celebrated the opening of the new Community Care for Seniors Thrift Shop.

The 4,000 square foot space is located at 153 Main Street, Picton, in the former bowling alley and combines two stores – the Thrift Shop that was near AV Photo and the Boutique that opened last fall for the clothing.

“It’s been four weeks of hard work and look at what our volunteers have accomplished,” said Debbie MacDonald Moynes, executive director. “These volunteers will make a difference for seniors to live at home in this community.”

The move was under the director of Community Care staff member Debbie Manlow, and led by Calvin Thomas, former owner of Giant Tiger, who designed the layout of the store, the displays and shelving and will continue to provide expertise in the coming months.

“In the beginning it was overwhelming, but box by box we packed, cleaned and said goodbye to two locations where memories and friends were made,” said Manlow, to the volunteers at the grand opening Tuesday morning. “You brought the goods here, and led by Calvin, you built fixtures, you unpacked, you cleaned, you washed and polished and placed every single item with pride and care… Many hands brought us to today but more importantly, it is the many huge, giving, caring hearts. You have built a beautiful thrift shop where volunteers can help seniors live at home.”

“It’s been a real pleasure to have been involved in this amazing project with amazing volunteers. You never really appreciate the work that goes into community effort until you work with volunteers,” Thomas said.

The shop will be open Mondays 1-4pm and Tuesday to Saturday 10am-4pm selling used clothing for the whole family along with books, records, housewares, linens, furniture, toys, games, shoes, etc. Donations of good used items are gratefully accepted.  New volunteers are always welcome.  Donations and new volunteers are both welcome. Call 476-1555.

The Prince Edward County Community Care for Seniors Association offers services such as Meals on Wheels, transportation to medical appointments, noon-time dinners for seniors, foot care, help with forms (including Income Tax), respite for caregivers, home maintenance, rural route reassurance and telephone reassurance programs.

Click here for more about Community Care for Seniors and its programs and services.