New Thrift Shop in Williamson

The Wayne County Rural Ministry/Come-Unity Center, Inc. is turning common sense into Common Cents.

The Center's thrift store, currently called the 2nd Story Clothing Co. Thrift Shoppe, will be moving from the top floor of the location at 4095 W. Main Street to a storefront on the opposite side of the street.

The store's name has been changed to Common Cents Thrift Shoppe. A grand opening is planned for Tuesday, February 9, at 10 a.m.

Executive Director Janis Thomason-Mussen said finding street-level space in Williamson has long been a goal. The present space is not handicapped accessible.

She and the Board of Directors feel that "eliminating the necessity of anyone having to climb 20 steep stairs, along with the higher visibility of the new storefront location is bound to bring new customers.

She stressed that their will be no price increase in suggested donations for used clothing as a result of the move. Clothing will remain at 60-cents for most items ($1 for coats, jeans, and boots). The first Tuesday of each month will still be 10-cent Sale Day.

The staff chose the name Common Cents Thrift Shoppe because it seemed to best describe how the clothing program works. People donate used clothing in good condition rather than toss it in the garbage and fill up landfills. Shoppers outfit themselves and their families at rock bottom prices, saving money and the earth at the same time; the money is used to provide food and other emergency assistance to people in need.

So, with each item of clothing purchased, people help themselves, their neighbors and the earth, making the money spent Common Cents, which is just common sense, says Thomason-Mussen.

The required six-month lease to obtain the building was "very affordable." Most of the cost was defrayed by selling unuseable donated clothing to a Rochester recycling firm.

In addition, the Center will save on heating costs by not having to heat the upstairs of the main building. No additional staff will be hired.

Donations of used clothing must still be delivered to the original site, where food boxes, a free hot lunch, emergency financial assistance and all the Center's other services continue to be provided.

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