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Yolo Hospice Thrift Store turns 15 years

By Pam Eimers August 2005

Voted “Best Thrift Store in Yolo County” for the past three years by Daily Democrat readers, the Yolo Hospice Thrift Store has developed a loyal stream of donors and customers over the past 15 years.

 Step inside the front doors and it’s easy to see why. Frequent customers are greeted by name and everyone is welcomed with a friendly hello and a smile.

“We have a big, very loyal group of regulars,” says Kathi Parks, Yolo Hospice Thrift Store Manager.

It’s important to Parks that customers feel comfortable shopping in the store. Her staff is dedicated to keeping displays organized and inviting. Clothing is arranged by type and color. Myriad shelves hold household items grouped by category.

“We’re an upscale thrift store, more like a department store than a typical thrift shop,” Parks explains. “We put out only good merchandise – no broken or stained items, nothing with missing parts.”

Donations are accepted and displayed even if out of season.

“This is the place to get a swim suit during winter for an escape to Hawaii,” laughs Parks.

Armed with a degree in criminal justice, a minor in business, and close to 20 years in retail, Parks came to the Thrift Store 13 1/2 years ago well equipped to handle the task of running a small business and managing a staff of mostly volunteers.

With Sue Krieger, Assistant Manager, at her side the past nine years, Parks has built the store into a significant source of revenue for Yolo Hospice.

“All our profits go to support the services Yolo Hospice provides to patients,” explains Parks. “We’re here to make a difference in people’s lives.”

Besides supporting the patient care and bereavement services of Yolo Hospice, the thrift store provides a service to the community. On any given day Parks can be found training local junior and senior high school students. Some are earning community service hours; others are participating in work readiness programs. All are learning workplace skills that will benefit them - as well as future employers - when they seek full-time employment.

Parks speaks passionately about her job and her staff.

“We have the best customer service,” she says. “I teach them how to greet customers, how to answer the phone, how to work together as a staff, and how to help customers so they have a positive shopping experience.”

Adds Krieger, “I like my job, I like the people I work with, and I like the organization for what it does.”

Krieger has had family members receive hospice services so she knows first hand the value of every dollar the thrift store earns.

To celebrate Yolo Hospice Thrift Store’s 15 years in business, and to say “thank you” to all who have contributed to the store’s success, everything in the store (except window displays) is 50 percent off through the month of September.

As a response to customer’s requests, store hours have recently been expanded. The store is now open Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Sunday 11a.m. to 5 p.m.

The store accepts donations of anything clean and in good condition including vehicles of all kinds – cars, RVs, campers, motorcycles, and boats. Donated items may be dropped off between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Every other Tuesday the store will pick up bulky items that won’t fit in a car. To arrange for a pick-up, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, call the store at 530-668-1599.

Yolo Hospice serves terminally ill patients and their families in all of Yolo County and parts of Solano, Sacramento, Sutter and Colusa counties. To learn more about the services offered by Yolo Hospice, or to find out about volunteer opportunities (patient care, office, or board committee options), call 530-758-5566 or visit our website: www.yolohospice.org.

 

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Quotes

Judy Norton
"Coping with terminal illness is all consuming for patient and family. As a hospice nurse, I feel it is most important to advocate, respect and use the knowledge we have to make the end of life the most comfortable it can be while always keeping in mind the unique needs of each patient."
~Jody Norton, RN