The volunteers at the Auxiliary for Comox Valley Healthcare Cottage Thrift Shop want everyone to know the store is open again, and it is in need of donations.
“We were closed from mid-December to mid-February (out of an abundance of caution) due to COVID, and I think people who used to drop stuff off here started dropping stuff off to other places,” said volunteer Sandra Kryschuk. “We weren’t asked to close, but we just didn’t want to (risk anyone’s health). But we are open now and looking forward to seeing everyone again.”
The shop, which is located at 2137 Comox Ave., behind the old St. Joseph’s hospital, raises funds through the sale of donated items to provide for patient care and comfort at The Views.
Strict COVID protocols are in place, with a maximum of 10 people allowed in the store at a time.
Word of it being reopened has gotten out quickly. There was a line-up to enter the store 15 minutes before its 10 a.m. opening time Wednesday, despite the adverse weather. Nearly a dozen people were standing outside, under umbrellas, patiently waiting for the lock to turn.
The challenge is keeping the shelves stocked. The shop is down on donations, and volunteers say they could use more of most items.
Right now, they need clothing for all ages and genders, toys, bedding, shoes and boots, dishes and kitchenware, magazines, CDs and DVDs, home decor, wool and fabric, or general household items.
There is even a “specialty” section to accommodate more expensive items, such as silver dinnerware, tea sets, and collectibles. (They cannot take large appliances or furniture. Items should be in good enough condition to be resold.)
The space is very large, with separate rooms for the various departments, and the prices are extremely reasonable - shoes for $2; clothes for as little as 50 cents, and golf balls are $1 a dozen!
“Where else can you get golf balls for a buck a dozen? Nowhere,” said Kryschuk. “We don’t have change rooms so you can’t try the clothes on, but we’re the cheapest place in town!
The store hours are Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donations can also be dropped off Mondays and Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Entry is in the back of the old St. Joseph’s hospital, behind The Grind Coffee & Smoothie Bar.
Anyone needing more information should contact the thrift shop at 250-339-8655.
ALSO: Comox church serving the community with food through COVID-19
terry.farrell@blackpress.ca
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-With files from Mike Chouinard