One man's trash is another man's treasure

Published Aug. 17, 2010
By Airman 1st Class Rachelle Elsea
325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Tyndall Thrift Shop, operated by the Officer Spouses Club, celebrated its grand re-opening Aug. 17, directly preceding its move into the old Airman and Family Readiness Center office, building 745.

The Thrift Shop has been a part of Tyndall for more than two decades and was due for a makeover.

"This is part of a domino effect," said Col. Michael Fleck, 325th Mission Support Group commander. "It was our vision to have Tyndall's family-focused activities moved into better office spaces. We moved A&FRC into building 747 and gave them a fresh new facility, which freed up this space here, so that the Thrift Shop could come out of their cramped quarters into a more expansive facility."

The new facility has almost doubled in space and rooms.

"The old Thrift Shop was old and run down, with poor carpeting," said Mike Hapgood, Tyndall Officer Spouses Club president. "It made it so when you walked in, it took away from all the great items we had on sale. The new space is open and bright, and just overall a huge improvement."

The move took approximately one month.

"We had more than 40 individuals, with a combined total of 450 hours of work, to help with the move," said Kimble McCoy, Thrift Shop volunteer. "The volunteers included spouses, dependents, retirees and active duty members."

Included in the permanent staff are 14 volunteers and one part-time bookkeeper.

"We are always looking for more volunteers," said Kim Thomas, Thrift Shop manager. "We often lose employees due to a PCS or separation."

Donations and consignments are the shop's primary means for revenue.

"Individuals can donate at any time," said Mrs. Thomas. "They can leave the items in the donation bin outside the building or, if it is a larger donation, they can call us and schedule a time for delivery."

Consignments are taken Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

The money earned at the Thrift Shop is given away to various funds and charitable organizations.

"The purpose of the Thrift Shop is for us to be able to provide college scholarships to military dependents and spouses," said Mrs. McCoy. "Last year we gave away $8,000 and this year our goal is $10,000. We were also able to give away more than $10,000 last year to a variety of charitable organizations and we hope to increase that this year as well."

The Thrift Shop has donated to charities such as the Curtis LeMay foundation, the Top 3 food closet and the Air Force Village.

"I hate to think what it would be like for some of the charities, including the bigger ones, if clubs, like this one, weren't doing what we do every day," said Mr. Hapgood. "But, there is also the side benefit that Airmen can come in and get cheaper uniforms, appliances, and other things that they may need."

The Thrift Shop is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the first Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to noon. To contact the shop call (850) 286-5888.

"Please donate your items, consign, volunteer and definitely come shop because the more money we raise the more money we can give back," said Mrs. McCoy.