Thrift Shop begins New Year with new manager, provides same great value, benefits Published Jan. 12, 2011 By Diane Betzler Staff Writer EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Volunteer staff members and customers of the Edwards Thrift Shop joined in celebrating Customer Appreciation week and bidding adieu to, the shop's manager of nearly two years. Dec. 14 and 15 were special days at the Thrift Shop as the staff closed out the year by offering customers special holiday sales, new merchandise, coffee and snacks. Both customers and volunteers said goodbye to outgoing volunteer manager Stephanie Grafel, whose family is leaving Edwards for its next assignment. "She did such a great job managing the shop," said incoming volunteer, Michele Spencer, who officially took over the managerial duties of the Thrift Shop Dec. 16. Mrs. Spencer said sales doubled while the shop was under Mrs. Grafel's supervision, but the outgoing manager modestly credits her team of volunteers and what she calls "very dedicated customers," to the shop's overall success. Success of the Edwards' Thrift Shop is important to both women because it helps contribute to the success of so many other worthwhile organizations, they said. "Our profits go toward scholarships for local high school seniors and to the welfare fund," Mrs. Grafel said. Through the welfare fund the shop is able to donate thousands of dollars each year to worthy organizations, she said. "We do a lot with our welfare money. This year we were able to award nearly $7,000 in scholarships, we donated funds to the Food Pantry at Chapel 1, the Air Force Enlisted Village, the schools on base and to several local and national charities," she said, explaining how supporting one organization can trickle down to many other charitable causes. The Thrift Shop sells everything from furniture to household items, along with clothes for all ages, toys and jewelry. It's open to civilian and military customers. "Jewelry sells well," said shop volunteer, Wendy Clouse. "I haven't seen a lot of it stay very long," she said, while updating the display case with newly arrived baubles. Mrs. Clouse said the jewelry cases are filled with a mixture of donated pieces and pieces that are there on consignment. "We take in a lot of jewelry and other valuable items on consignment," she said. Consignment is an option for those who wish to contribute items to the shop. "The owner prices the item and gets 80 percent of the sales price and the shop gets 20 percent," Mrs. Clouse explained. It's a win-win arrangement Mrs. Grafel said. "It's a nice way for people to make some extra money by selling stuff they don't use anymore." Once an item is brought to the Thrift Shop and put on consignment it can remain on the floor for nine weeks. If it doesn't sell within that time, the owner can either withdraw the item or donate it to the shop where it will then be put on clearance. With the exception of electronic items, all other sales are final. "The only returns we do are for electronics. The customer has 24 hours to bring an electronic purchase back if it doesn't work," Mrs. Grafel said. Anyone wishing to donate items can call Julie Wright at (661) 475-4161 to schedule a drop-off date and time. Mrs. Spencer said several people have expressed interest in being able to shop after work, so she will be looking into opening at least one evening a week. She says she's excited about taking over the shop. "It's such a fun place to work, the volunteers are great and we love our customers, most of whom become our friends." "What makes this shop great are the people, both our volunteers and our customers," said Mrs. Grafel. Mrs. Spencer said they always have room for additional help and anyone interested in volunteering their time and service to the Thrift Shop can call her at 277-4294.