S.A.V.E. Thrift Store Reopens July 5 Thanks To Volunteer Efforts

It’s taken lots of sweat equity, dedication and community spirit, but a week-long fix-up, spruce-up and remodeling effort is just about finished at ’s S.A.V.E. Thrift Store.

A grand reopening celebration is set for July 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Located at 14201 Purdy Lane, the shop is situated below the high school in the unincorporated community of Purdy, north of Gig Harbor.

The reopening caps a week of repairs, painting, general cleaning and installation of new display racks and merchandise, along with construction of a book nook with lots of shelving.

Housed in an old fire station that subsequently served as a community center, raises more than $30,000 every year in scholarships for PHS graduates to further their education. It is part of the Peninsula Hawks Scholarship Fund program founded in 1985 by Avon Gay.

Describing the remodeling job as a “complete make-over,” shop manager Kris Hohensee said customers can expect a higher level of used and donated merchandise.

“We already have the clothing, shoes and other items to restock the store. Some of it’s in storage and some of it is here already,” she said. “Some is at my house and some is at other people’s homes.

“Actually, we’re getting some new clothing. There was an anonymous donor,” Hohensee said. “But basically we’re a thrift shop with quality used -- and sometimes new -- clothing and household items.”

Most of S.A.V.E Thrift’s stock consists of donated clothing items, although it’s not just needy folks who shop there, said office manager Debra Langley-Boyer.

“There are people with money who come in because we have some unique things, quality things,” she said. “I got a snow suit for my daughter for $10. It still had the tags on it for $110.”

Hohensee said dozens of volunteers have worked on the remodeling project.

“We have some dedicated people and students,” she said. “A new crew comes in every day to do something different.”

“As far as the immediate area, I don’t know of any other (store) like it,” she said. “My kids went to Central Kitsap, and we had no program like this.”

The store isn’t just about scholarships, however.

“The kids who volunteer here get experience at the cash register and customer service,” Hohensee said. “It’s good for their resume -- a good start.”

Langley-Boyer, who has been affiliated with S.A.V.E Thrift nearly 10 years, said the store epitomizes community spirit. It has become a focal point for parents, residents, students and business people alike, she said.

“Kids come down from the school and work. Special-needs students come and work. Activity groups come and earn funds for their scholarships,” she said.

“On an annual basis, the committee and community donors raise $100,000 to $200,000 a year in scholarships,” she added. “This store accounts for between $30,000 and $40,000 of that, depending on the year.”

Students prepare scholarship portfolios. That way, donors can contribute to specific graduates who are pursuing specific interests.

“About half of the class applies,” Langley-Boyer said. “Everyone who applies gets a scholarship. The last number of years, it’s been at least $300 for each kid. Some get $1,000 or more.”

Assistant manager Kathy Bonsall said S.A.V.E Thrift provided 169 scholarships last year. The only requirement is that students must continue their education, either in vocational or technical training or in college.