VINE to add thrift store

By Brian Ojanpa
Free Press Staff Writer

MANKATO July 05, 2009 12:54 am

— Another day, another thrift store.
Come August, the Mankato community’s seventh such enterprise will open in the former Slumberland Clearance Center building at 77 Star St.
This store won’t stock clothing; it will specialize in furniture and appliances.
“Anything to do with the home,” said Pam Determan, director of VINE Faith in Action.
VINE, a nonprofit organization providing volunteer assistance to those in need, will operate the enterprise.
Determan said the organization chose the furniture/appliance niche because those offerings are limited at other local thrift stores, and because VINE was looking to enhance its finances after losing nearly $240,000 in state grant money.
Moreover, she said VINE routinely has access to furniture and appliances when death occurs to clients, many of whom are elderly.
Determan said 37 people applied to manage the store before VINE chose Nancy Swart, who has been working with furniture store liquidation sales throughout the country.
Price points for items have yet to be determined. Determan said people can bring donated items to the store or have them picked up free of charge.
She said VINE also will work closely with churches to provide “starter kit” household furnishings to families in need.