Offutt Thrift Shop re-opens after renovation

  • Published
  • By 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  The Offutt Thrift Shop celebrated a ribbon cutting ceremony Sept. 16 after closing its door to the community for a two-week renovation.

An Offutt Officers' Spouses' Club project team, led by Micki Grimes and Stephanie O'Grady, put in countless hours upgrading and improving with $1,800 of capital funds.

"They added new fixtures and slat walls, reorganized a lot of areas, painted and introduced several new categories," said Elizabeth Farar, OOSC president. "They really did an impressive job."

The goal of the team was to enhance the overall shopping experience for the customer.

"My background is in merchandising so I took a lot of what I've learned through the years and put it to use here," Grimes said. "I want our customers to enjoy their visit and come back."

The project team increased the military clothing section and expanded the children's area, which they hope will help the military families they serve.

"It's beautiful, they did an awesome job," said Ronda Elbert, who attended the ceremony. "I always enjoy shopping here. The staff is so friendly and down to earth. It's always a great experience."

In addition to some visual facelifts, the team also worked with the 55th Security Forces Squadron to increase security measures throughout.

"We were experiencing an increase in theft and felt we needed to take steps to nip it in the bud," Farar said.

The Offutt Thrift Shop is staffed by two part-time paid employees as well as dozens of volunteers and the renovation would not have been possible without them, said Lisa Witcher, Offutt Thrift Shop chairman.

"I'm so thankful for the work they do for us," she said. "Their support is vital."

All profits from the thrift shop go towards the OOSC Charitable Association Inc., for annual college scholarships and charitable donations to military and local non-profit organizations. Last year the club gave away nearly $40,000 and this year hopes to hit $50,000.

However, the amount is dependent on profit made from donations and consignments.
Items can be donated during business hours, if a receipt for tax purposes is needed, or at any time to the donation shed, located on the northwest corner of Castle Hall. A list of accepted items is posted on the shed.

Consigners may bring items twice a week and up to 20 items each time. The items are accepted from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Wednesday through Friday and the first and third Saturday of the month. 

A consignment sheet can also be found on the Offutt Officers' Spouses Club web site under the thrift shop tab, which can be filled out at home, saving time. The consigner keeps 75 percent of the profit, while the other 25 percent goes to the Thrift Shop.

In addition to donating and consigning, the OOSC is always looking for volunteers to help run the shop.

The Offutt Thrift Shop is located in Castle Hall on Grant's Pass, next to the Base Exchange. The shop is open Wednesday through Friday and the first and third Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. They can be contacted via phone at (402) 294-6880 or via email at thriftshop@offuttosc.com.