SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Toys, books, kitchenware, 220-volt items and more at discount prices line the shelves at the Spangdahlem Spouses and Enlisted Military Club Thrift Shop waiting for thrifty shoppers.
The Thrift Shop now under new management and in a new location, offers Sabers the opportunity to not only save money but to earn some extra spending cash.
"We give people the opportunity to sell their unused items," said Kellie King, SSEMC Thrift Shop manager. "Plus, we give the opportunity to purchase much needed items affordably. Since we are near billeting, incoming people are able to purchase many 220-v appliances here and save a great deal of money."
Those who wish to sell or donate items can bring them to the Thrift Shop located at building 410 in stairwell C Tuesdays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Items are contracted for consignment on a six week basis with 75 percent of the sale price going to the seller and 25 percent to the Thrift Shop. Sellers are paid once a month by check, which must be picked up within 90 days.
"Really nice baby clothes and transformers are fast sellers," Mrs. King said. "Most other items also have a pretty good turnover as well. We take new consignments daily, so our inventory is constantly changing."
First time shopper Melissa Kennedy, wife of Senior Airman Tom Kennedy, Armed Forces Network, was surprised with the variety of items and organization of the Thrift Shop.
"I was really amazed with how nice the Thrift Shop here is," she said. "The store is well organized with so many great baby items. I will definitely be coming back."
The Thrift Shop accepts cash, checks and Euro payments.
"The most important thing about the Thrift Shop is that fact that all of the profits go back into the community through the SSEMC," Mrs. King said. Funds are donated to Airmen in distress, base youth programs, the Air Force Ball, quarterly awards, base schools and more.
Shelley Turner SSEMC president and Thrift Shop worker, "We have a lot of community out reach programs. Right now we're accepting donations for the Fisher house in Ramstein and every year we do the big bazaar. It's nice to be able to contribute to all the different programs out there."
The Thrift Shop staff always welcomes new volunteers.
Volunteers must be 16 or older, Mrs. King said. "If they can consistently volunteer that would be great, but if they can only give an hour here and there, that is fine as well."