Thrift Store
Bev Wals and Kristen Wels spend their next-to-last day as volunteers at Our Lady of Peace’s thrift shop. Photo by Joy Ufford.
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Catholic thrift shop closes Saturday
by Joy Ufford, Pinedale Roundup
April 20, 2018
PINEDALE – Three years ago when Bev Wals retired, she and daughter Kristen moved from the heat of Phoenix to Pinedale and settled in very comfortably as volunteers at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church’s thrift shop.
It was opened about six years ago in the older brick home, shed and garage at 128 South Sublette as a means for the Pinedale Council of Catholic Women to raise money to build a new Catholic Church.
"Kathy Larson, Barb Lager and several other volunteers started the shop with the goal of the money going to the building fund for the new church," Bev Wals related as Kristen and Gail Toth looked at knickknacks and talked to a very young customer.
So far, minus some expenses, the shop has raised between $40,000 to $50,000 for the project that now calls for a new hall, classroom and renovated church entrance. In fact, the entire church is being remodeled.
PCCW volunteers knew that eventually, the shop would be closed and its buildings demolished or dismantled.
Twice a week – on Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings – the Walses and other volunteers have welcomed customers from nearby neighborhoods to across the country – even out-of-state Midwestern hunters who needed much warmer gear than what they’d brought.
Over the years, the thrift shop has served as social, philanthropic, practical and economical boon for families, collectors, visitors and its next-door congregants. That changes Saturday, April 21, when the thrift shop closes its doors for the final time at noon.
Now even the shelves, displays and tables are being sold and everything is priced almost to give away. Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon, all kids’ clothes are free and many items will be nearly free or by donation. The Pinedale Food Basket will take what’s left into its store.
The buildings must be empty by May 1 so next week, volunteers including Pinedale High School students will pack things to move. Construction is slated to begin July 1.
"I might just set a lot of stuff in the yard," said Bev, noting 14 folding tables hide under all the donated clothing, shoes, books, cookware, linens and household knickknacks.
Swing by 128 S. Sublette Ave. on Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon (or so), to see what’s available.
Anyone interested in any part of the South Sublette buildings, windows or materials should call Brian at Jorgensen Engineering, 307-367-6548.
Joy Ufford, Pinedale Roundup, jufford@pinedaleroundup.com
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