Kiwanis President at the time, Ted Bryant, had a dream that someday the Dexter club would have a thrift shop, after having visited one in another state that was administered by a Kiwanis group. Members felt that there was definitely a need for a thrift shop in the community and surrounding area.

After a lot of renovation work, done primarily by volunteers, the shop was ready to open on Memorial Day weekend of this year. The shop is managed by the only paid employee, Ronda Snow, who managed the thrift shop at a church in town that had previously closed. Her experience has been invaluable in getting this shop underway and managed efficiently. Several volunteers from the local club contribute many hours to this effort, including the current Kiwanis Club President, Corinne Neal, who operates the shop one day a week. The team effort of club members has made the shop a success.

“Our main goal is to provide a service. All proceeds go right back to the community into the various programs that Kiwanis offers. The Kiwanis Thrift Shop is non-profit, so any proceeds raised above expenses help support the over twenty community programs that the club sponsors.

One program in particular that is very beneficial to the children is our reading program. Each year, children ages 2 through 4, receive a packet of three new books to help enhance their reading skills. Another program that is very beneficial to our children is the annual Bike Safety Rodeo, which teaches safety to these young bicyclists,” states Lois Field, chairperson of the Thrift Shop Committee.

The Kiwanis Thrift Shop is open from 10 AM to 3 PM Monday through Saturday.

On Friday, December 12th and Saturday, December 13th, an early Winter Sale is planned with all clothing sold at half-price. For more information, you may contact the store at 717-6153.