The Thrift Shop, which began its life in service to the St. Michael’s Community in 1939, continued that service during 2019. A major change occurred when Liz Grader, its leader for a good part of three decades and outgoing president, decided to retire at year’s end.

Liz has been present in the Shop almost daily in recent years. And when not in the Shop, she and her friends have been out in the community looking for merchandise for the Shop. Yard sales, estate sales, others’ thrift stores; all have been hunting grounds for Liz. In the Shop, Liz has renewed the stock and decorations as the seasons have changed, something that customers regularly mention to the staff as special. Liz has been the housekeeper, merchandise receiver, sorter, and pricer through the years. If someone is sick or late, Liz has often been the person to fill in for them.

The magnitude of Liz’s contribution to the church was cited by Father Andrew in his tribute to Liz during the St. Catherine’s Guild supper on January 9th of this year. He noted that after a review of the income figures generated by the Shop in recent years, it has been the largest single source of yearly contribution to the church of any event or group.

It is not surprising when you are reminded that Liz once appeared at a St. Catherine’s Guild/Thrift Shop Fashion Show on roller skates. Her energy and devotion to getting things done have been legendary. The Shop volunteers and members of the St. Michael’s community thank Liz for all that she has given to us in her years of service. We wish Liz years ahead with more rest, more time to read that stack of books she has at home, and more time to enjoy her family.

VOLUNTEER CONTRIBUTIONS

The Thrift Shop has a group of volunteers who have their own records of service. May Britt is also retiring at this time after working every Tuesday afternoon every week. Karin McCarthy continues her work as treasurer. Other volunteers in rotation every other week included Pat Spaberg, Connie Denault, Patty Reilly, Pam Oppelt, Valerie Wyckoff, Ann Porter, and Allen Mace.

Weekend shift workers include Ellie Doyle, James Dearborn, Frances Nilsson, Karen McMahon, Octavia Moniz, Linda Smidt, and Marilyn Day. Volunteer hours may be greater during holidays and community celebrations.

DONATIONS: GOODS AND HOURS

Donations to the Thrift Shop are always welcome, especially in-season, gently worn clothing. The shop has scarce storage capacity, so out-of-season merchandise must be passed on, not stored.

The Thrift Shop is looking for new volunteers to work one or two afternoons a month, and would welcome your questions about joining the current group of volunteers.

We also invite the members of St. Michael’s community to drop in and visit the Shop often. Merchandise can move quickly and treasures appear every once in a while! That’s why you may notice that the volunteers dress so well, and smile so often.

Respectfully submitted,

Patty Reilly, Secretary
Karin McCarthy, Treasurer