New Shop needs a miracle

Thrift store meets swap meet and a place to feed the homeless out of the back - that was Dawn Finn's dream when she opened her store at 210B Wells Ave.S. not too long ago. Dawn and an old friend were partners in the store, but at the last hour, literally, it became a one woman show. Dawn has been struggling to realize her dream ever since.

To say it's been hard is an understatement. A third party that was savvy to the ways of Swap Meets also quit on Dawn and her husband lost his job this month. Someone came on to help at the store, but wrote scriptures on the store walls and then went off to join the carnival (really, I didn't just make that up). Dawn just was not getting any breaks.

The good news is that Renton, being the great town that it is, reached out to help. Charles of St. Charles Place Antiques and Restoration just down the street has given Dawn several display cabinets to use and sell at her store. Deb of Girlfriend's Antiques, Gifts and Floral on S. Third has lent a hand. Everyone I know was trying to drop by unneeded items to donate to the cause. But it might in the end just not be enough.

Dawn needs a miracle by this Sunday to help her pull through - a new partner. The owner of the building is not making this any easier on her and she just needs some assistance to help get over the hump.

Everyday the shop is looking better, shaping up and filling out. If you can help - give Dawn a call today. She's waiting and keeping the hope alive.

Dawn Finn
Finn Thrift & Swap 210B Wells Ave. S.
425.829.6526

Go Green in your shopping routine

The Salvation Army has gotten back to their previous habit of posting monthly calendars of their sales promotions for the month and including it with your bill of sale. I have mine hanging on the fridge and use it as an excuse to take a walk in that direction every couple of days. Today was "Manager's Special" which turned out to be 50% off all clothing. Now, Salvation Army has some reasonably priced clothing - so take another 50% off and you have got yourself a deal. This store also has a very nice selection of furniture - I have purchased a few choice items for my home here - and tomorrow is 50% off furniture, so go shopping. Seniors and Military get a 15% discount everyday. $.85 cents of every dollar raised goes directly to the needy.
While I am happy that there are concerned consumers who like to shop and donate where the most effort and finances are returned to those in need, I am personally a fair opportunity "thrifter" - I shop everywhere. My mission with these posts about "thrifting" is to get people to think about buying secondhand instead of new for a change and to encourage donating rather than dumping and adding to our landfills. If you are a family newly on the "edge" where finances are concerned - you can find all your family needs at thrift stores - really.

The Salvation Army Thrift Store 4222 S. 3rd St. (425)255-0171

PS Check out the chalkboard at the entrance - it always has some specials listed!

Harder times call for thrifty measures

Today is .99 cent Monday at our local Value Village (commonly referred to as "V V's" or using a cool french accent and saying the name of the store). Let me be clear if you are a newbie to this; only a certain color of tag, like orange today, is on sale, and this tag system is in constant rotation. Next week it might be green or purple. If you go thrifting there often enough you can kind of predict which color has been around long enough to go on sale. It starts with the tag of choice going to 50% off from Thursday through Sunday, with Monday hitting the less than a buck status.
Thrifting is a great way to go green, to save some money, save the environment, be eclectic and unique in your fashion statement and treasure hunt for unexpected cool stuff. Problem is - you could get too much stuff. Solution is - you go home and fill the same size bag of stuff you just brought in and donate it back.

Value Village 1222 Bronson Way N. #200 (425) 255 - 5637