A Thrift Shop Transformation That Supports Our Veterans
I was on a search for inexpensive glass vases to make a few arrangements for friends using flowers from my zinnia garden. I wanted vases they wouldn't have to worry about returning.
I hadn't been out to the old thrift store at 1370 North Broad Street since it closed well over a year ago. Frankly, I didn't even know it had reopened. It was a nice day, so I decided to drive over and see what I could find.
When I opened the door to the now Chowan Veterans Thrift Shop , I was amazed.
What happened to the old, cluttered and unorganized thrift store?
The transformation of this much-needed community business was undertaken by the American Legion. Edenton American Legion Post 40 Commander Ed Mathews took it upon himself to resurrect the former Habitat for Humanity.
I don't think I have ever seen a thrift shop more neatly organized. They even have seasonal end-cap displays. Everything was priced, items were arranged by category, and linens were labeled and neatly stacked on the shelves. Friendly and helpful volunteers, easily recognizable in their blue shirts, were throughout the store ready to answer questions and lend a hand.
What a wonderful surprise to see such organization along with local browsers, Trish Rand and Angela Sikes almost amazed as I was at the organized selection.
Somehow, all that "old stuff" had been transformed into cherished pieces simply waiting for a new home. I walked from aisle to aisle thinking about the tremendous amount of work that must have gone into creating such a clean, welcoming and well-organized shop.
But the best part of the story is where the money goes.
Funds raised through the Chowan Veterans Thrift Shop help support Chowan County veterans.
So, if you're like me and haven't visited the thrift shop in a long time, make it a point to stop by. You may be just as surprised as I was. You'll find a clean, organized shop and a pleasant group of volunteers ready to help you find that one thing you didn't even know you needed.
In my case, I walked out with a dozen clear glass vases, ready to be filled with pretty flowers from my garden.
My total cost? Eleven dollars.
Even better, I left knowing that the money I spent was helping support our local veterans.
That's a win-win for everyone — and a credit to the American Legion and the many volunteers who have given their time and energy to completely transform this community thrift shop.
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