EOSC finds thrifty way to help the community Published Aug. 31, 2015 By Rebecca Amber Staff writer EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Edwards Officers' Spouses Club Thrift Store is once again open for business. The volunteer-run shop opened its doors Sept. 1. Proceeds from the Thrift Store are deposited into the EOSC Welfare Fund, which is ultimately used to aid base schools and other military organizations. Last year, the EOSC gave to 18 different entities, many of which have received donations for several years. One of the main benefactors from the Thrift Store's sales is the annual EOSC scholarship recipients. There are four ways to support the store: shop, donate, consign or volunteer. According to EOSC Thrift Store manager Tiffany Gordon, consignments are a very popular at the Thrift Store. Sellers receive 75 percent of the purchase price and the remaining 25 percent is allocated to the Thrift Store. While furniture does very well, "it doesn't have to be larger items. It can be clothes, electronics, household items, décor," explained Gordon. "It's a great way to earn a little money, but also give to a great cause." People who wish to donate to the Thrift Store can do so 365 days a year. When the store is closed, donations can be left on the back dock. Even during the summer break when the store is closed for several months, volunteers regularly check the dock for donations and move them into the store. The store will not sell any defective items including ones with large stains, holes or broken zippers. "We really do try to offer quality products to our consumers," Gordon said. Once a donation has been left on the back dock it is the property of the Thrift Store and it is unlawful to remove it from the designated donation area. Donations are sorted by volunteers and categorized by holidays and seasons. "I think it's very important that people understand that we're not just here to sell stuff. The welfare part is such a big part of this club and of any officers spouse club, we're all doing it to help out the community," said Annette Munro, EOSC Welfare vice president. To run the Thrift Store, you need at least four volunteers on any given day. Volunteering at the shop is a child-friendly opportunity with bean bag chairs and activities for the children in the store. Thrift Store volunteers do not have to be members of the EOSC. "What I like about the Thrift Store is it's truly an Air Force family-friendly environment. When you come here, you don't feel like you're working. You feel like you're with your friends doing something to make your community better," shared Gordon. According to Gordon, the EOSC has an average of 60 members and hopes to increase that membership number. The group holds monthly socials and is encouraging prospective members to attend a social to learn more about the club. Within the EOSC, there are a wide variety of clubs for spouses with a wide range of interests - book clubs, exercise clubs, food and wine clubs, and of course, Bunko. To learn more about the EOSC or Thrift Store visit: http://edwardsosc.webs.com/. The EOSC Thrift Store is open: Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday: 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Thursday: 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Consignment hours: Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Thursday: 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. To view current specials and sales at the Thrift Store visit: https://www.facebook.com/edwardsthriftstore.