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 |