Although the shop lacked carpeting and other finishing touches, the Assistance League Thrift Shop opened on Wednesday, July 20^th, at 10:00 am, after 9 weeks of closure due to a water incident that decimated the entryway, offices, boutique, and front counter areas of the store.  More than one hundred loyal customers and friends visited the thrift shop that day, with big smiles on their faces, letting Assistance League volunteers know that they missed the shop and were so happy it was open again.  There was excitement in the air as volunteers welcomed everyone back once again.

At 9:00 that same morning, members and spouses were invited to come in for a “Big Reveal”, that included refreshments provided by the Hospitality Committee, and a chance to tour the renovations in progress.  Home Perfect Restoration, who did the demolition and reconstruction, sent a videographer to capture the excitement that morning.  The store is organized and looked more inviting.  Sadly, the original bowling alley front counter sustained water damage, but that has been replaced with a new, sleek, modern looking front counter with lots of drawers and cabinets to store bags, wrapping materials and the items needed to run a successful store.  Every department in the shop is filled with beautiful merchandise, and every nook and cranny in the store has been dusted and cleaned.   Each item on the sales floor received a second look to ensure that the merchandise met the volunteers’ high standards for cleanliness and organization.

The thrift shop is open from 10am-4pm on Wednesdays and from 1-4pm on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Donations of clean, gently used items are accepted during regular store hours.  Low prices and high quality have remained the same, and volunteers look forward to welcoming new and returning customers.  The sales in the thrift shop along with monetary donations and grants, enable the organization to provide services to the children and families in need in Southwest Riverside County.