Big Five opens Pauls Valley thrift shoppe

By Jim Richardson
Staff Writer

June 02, 2006 11:41 am

— Everybody loves a bargain and thanks to the efforts of Big Five Community Services, Inc. the folks around Pauls Valley will have plenty of opportunities to save some hard-earned cash at the organization’s new thrift shoppe, Re-Run Junction #3.
Located at 920 S. Chickasaw, the store sells a variety of household items as well as clothing for the entire family.
According to Big Five Vocational Job Site Manager Teresa Cook, everything in the building is greatly discounted to the public.
“Our clothes are sold at extremely low prices. Pants run $2 a pair, shirts are $1 each and shoes are $1 per pair. Other items are as low as 50 cents each,” Cook said.
“We also carry purses, belts, toys, books and dishes, and we’re getting new items in all the time. In the very near future we also plan on selling furniture here.”
From all appearances, Re-Run Junction #3 may look like just your average thrift shoppe.
But the bottom line here is not so much about making money as it is creating a productive work environment for some very special people.
“The inspiration behind our thrift store is the hope of creating an opportunity for people with developmental disabilities to enjoy a better quality of life through the natural experience of paid employment,” Cook said.
“Our clients have job tasks at the store including sorting, pricing, stocking shelves, hanging clothes and running the register.
“We also have job coaches on site to help the clients and all proceeds help keep the store open, pay the clients’ salaries and hold special parties for them throughout the year.”
Products sold at the thrift shoppe are obtained though generous contributions. Cook said they are pleased to accept any items for resale that are in good condition, such as left over items from garage sales, and will be happy to come by and pick them up.
Business hours at the store are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and the first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information call 238-7732.

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