About Us

A Special Kind of Thrift Store - based on the philosophy that
 “If we share what we have, we will all have enough” 
 

Mission Statement

*  To serve the community of Dubois and the Upper Wind River Valley by receiving donations of quality merchandise and offering it for sale at affordable prices in a clean and welcoming environment;

*  To serve those in need by donating sale proceeds to charities and non-profit organizations in the form of grants and vouchers;

*  To provide a safe and supportive atmosphere for volunteer participation and pre-employment training for youth and other community members.


*  To encourage recycling of quality used goods and the creative utilization of discarded merchandise.
 

 History of the Opportunity Sale:

Although we are an Outreach Ministries of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, the shop has been a community effort from the start. Over 60 years ago, Barbara Fish set out a card table full of item in the community hall. The church raised $100. The sale turned into an annual event that was organized by a dedicated group of community volunteers, led by the Episcopal Church Women (ECW). An important need in the community was being met, evident by the sale’s growing popularity. Everything was donated by community members and all proceeds were gifted to various charities within the community. The sale produced thousands of dollars over the years. Throughout the 50+ year span, the sale became such a huge endeavor, it was evident it could serve the community on a much larger scale.


A New Chapter-- The Opportunity Shop Thrift Store:

With generous donations, the church purchased the current building which was originally a service station. It was renovated with careful attention on making the business frontage fit in with the rest of the Dubois western flare. “The Opportunity Shop Thrift Store” opened its doors in 2006.

Community involvement, donations, and a hard working group of dedicated volunteers made it possible to pay off the building renovation loan of $77,000 in 2008. The building quickly out grew the amount of merchandise donated. In just 3 short years an expansion was needed.

Additional donations made it possible to remove the large fuel storage tanks April 2009. In December 2009, a $50,000 grant was received from the Kemmerer Family Foundation, whose generosity enabled an amazing team of volunteers to begin construction, April 2010. Thanks to the dedicated group of volunteers, the expansion cost was 1/4th of the construction bids we obtained. The new addition was opened to the public February, 2011.

Now, just as they did 60+ years ago, we encourage recycling by accepting donations of quality merchandise and offering it to the public at affordable prices, We serve those in need directly by donating merchandise and vouchers. Our sales proceeds are donated to local charities and non-profit organizations in the form of grants. We seek to lessen the burden for those less fortunate and contribute to various community activities where Dubois and surrounding areas would benefit. Since its inception the shop has benefitted over 50 charities/organizations. Many individuals, locals as well as travelers, utilized the “Free Bin” which is located on the south side of the building and available to the public during normal business hours.

"We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give."  Winston Churchill


Community Working for Community:

The Opportunity Shop is not just a building on the corner, but a group of dedicated people who reach out to the community in a range of unique ways. The store is being expertly run by a team of devoted employees and volunteers who believe in the Opp Shop’s mission and purpose. The shop gives new meaning to the phrase “Ones man’s trash is another man’s treasure”. This truly is a community effort which started with one card table, over 60 years ago.

"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them." Walt Disney



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