Beebe's Treasure Chest Thrift Shop on the move
Story Location:
4578 Delaware 1
Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
United States
Eager shoppers turned around in disappointment when they saw a closed sign June 24-25 in front of Beebe's Treasure Chest Thrift Shop in Midway. It was unusual for the shop to be closed on a Friday and Saturday, but it was closed for a reason. Just a few days later, those shoppers were welcomed into a brand new thrift shop just a few units away.
VOLUNTEERS WANTED
Beebe Auxiliary is seeking volunteers to work in the Treasure Chest Thrift Shop, in the gift shop at Beebe Healthcare and in other facets. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Wendell Alfred at cwa558@verizon.net.
Volunteers tirelessly worked over the weekend to move everything from furniture and books to clothing and electronics from the old shop on the east end of the Midway Shopping Mall to the new shop located in the former Sears. In front and out back, lines of people pushed, carried and drug whatever they could handle.
“I've never seen such a dedicated group of volunteers. I really mean that,” said Nancy Almacy, second vice president of the Beebe Auxiliary. “I got to see more people in action this time than I have before … I met people and their husbands and wives that I’ve never met. Just a great community. We all believe in what we’re doing.”
The spacious new shop allows staff to present merchandise more effectively, with more room for furniture, something the shop has always wished for.
The Treasure Chest Thrift Shop opened its doors Feb. 1, 2007. In its first year, the shop generated $253,000 in gross sales. The shop was a hit, and it was time for expansion. The shop took over the adjacent unit in December 2008 and has been operating in the 3,000-square-foot space ever since.
The Beebe Auxiliary has donated $5.3 million back to the hospital through its efforts at the thrift shop, its gift shop inside Beebe Healthcare and other fundraising activities.
At 7,750 square feet, the new shop is about 2,500 square feet larger, providing staff with nearly three times as much backroom space for sorting donations. The drop-off area behind the store also offers better access for folks making donations. Closed-circuit cameras have also been installed to monitor the drop-off point to discourage dumping of unwanted, unusable items.
An official grand reopening celebration is slated for Friday, July 29.
The thrift shop, located behind La Tolteca on the northbound side of Route 1 in Midway, is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday; and 3 to 5 p.m., Mondays. To make arrangements for pickup of large items, call the shop manager at 302-644-2878.
