Seventy years ago, a group of local AAUW women, on their way to attend a meeting in Lansing, discussed the difficulty of finding a meeting place. That chat led to the idea of buying their own building.

"But, they needed the money to purchase such a building so they decided to start a thrift shop," said Barbara Avendt-Rhoades, president of the Thrift Shop Association of Monroe. "Back then, meeting places were limited. Small meetings could be held in homes and larger ones in churches. Their best option was to buy their own building. "

And, that's just what they did.

Opened Feb. 4, 1952, the Thrift Shop's first location was 62 S. Macomb St., a building the ladies had secured rent free from the Detroit Edison Company.

Their mission was two-fold. The group wanted to provide social services for individuals when other agencies were unavailable and to purchase a women's building in Monroe.

The savvy businesswomen first visited thrift shops in Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Toledo to glean information and gather ideas.

"Right from the first, we decided to place emphasis on the membership, embracing women from as many segments of society as possible...a rather novel idea in a city whose population had been segregated along strict religious and ethnic lines since its very beginnings," wrote Marian Childs, the association's president from 1951 to 1953, in the shop's annals.

The women decided the income from the shop, after expenses were paid, would be divided equally. Half of the income would be set aside to purchase the building and the other half would be used for educational, cultural, and civic needs not met in the community.

Fast forward 70 years and the shop at 119 South Monroe St. is still thriving in a building the association bought for $48,000 cash in 1974. It was six times the size of their former building.

"A $1,000 down payment was made and a cashier's check for $47,000 finalized the agreement...We opened in grand style. It was instant prestige for the thrift shop and immensely gratifying for us. Now, we had room to really show off our merchandise," documented Rose Pashian, president from 1973 to 1975.

The store offers a wide variety of clothing for men, women, and children along with small household furnishings, jewelry, books, and toys. All of the items are donated and all members volunteer to work a minimum of six hours each month to help run the business.

"Not many know this, but we offer assistance to those in need," Avendt-Rhoades said. "All they have to do is bring in a letter on agency or church letterhead and we will help them. Sometimes, it's a family needing clothes for their children or someone needing an outfit for a new job."

The Association prides itself in supporting the community.

Over the years, the organization's community service projects have varied from paying on a medical bill for a 17-year-old girl who had heart surgery to a Reader's Digest subscription in braille for a blind citizen.

A wishing well booth was created and placed at the Monroe County Fair where citizens could cast their wishes. That year, the ladies were able to grant a few wishes like sending a bouquet of flowers to a 91-year-old woman in the community and purchase a piano for a little girl who was losing her sight.

"From the very beginning, we've made it our goal to give back to the community and we've made sizable donations to various agencies like the Monroe County Community College nursing program and the annual Bed Race. We're always looking for ways to expand our community service, " Avendt-Rhoades said.

Other organizations and events the thrift shop has supported include youth summer camps, the Monroe YMCA, the Art Lesow Community Center, and a Christmas shopping project for families in need.

It was soon after the store opened, the ladies voted to begin a scholarship program.

The scholarships were first awarded to vocational students before encompassing other students in the community. The first year in business, they awarded $300 in scholarship money.

This year, the Thrift Shop awarded $25,000 in scholarships to brick-and-mortar and homeschool students.

"It's been our biggest year so far," she said. "Despite COVID, the fact that we've changed our hours and we're down in numbers with volunteers, we're doing really well. Our sales are up."

Many of the shop's patrons are loyal customers like Rhonda Ferguson of Ida and her two daughters.

"I stop in once a week to see what's new," Ferguson said. "I stopped in today while my daughter is across the street taking classes."

All members of the thrift shop are volunteers and members of the association, which means they pay yearly dues. Active members pay every year for their first 10 years.

For nearly 10 years, Brenda Thomas of Monroe has been a volunteer. She works in receiving where she sorts donated items and hangs clothing before it's tagged.

"I enjoy giving back and letting people know about the shop," Thomas said. "We receive so many items that are such good quality. We recently received several bridal gowns from a local bridal shop in all sizes and all brand new."

Lorey Roop of Monroe has volunteered for nine years and currently serves as the second vice president/shop manager and marking chair. She prices and tags inventory before it's put out for sale and decorates displays in the store.

"We try to follow the same seasons the stores use when it comes to displaying merchandise," Roop said. "We typically keep clothing out on the floor for six months."

Monroe resident Sue Coseo, who has been a volunteer for 13 years, currently manages the jewelry section which includes both costume and fine jewelry. Jewelry and collectibles are located in display cases at the front counter where there is a clear COVID-protective barrier for everyone's safety.

Husband-and-wife team, Jerry and Barbara Sampsel of Monroe often work together at the shop. While Barbara cashes out customers, Jerry will check inventory and restock items.

Currently, Jerry is the only male volunteer at the store. He recently became a member and started volunteering while Barbara has been an active member for 15 years.

"We have members that have been with us for many years and some that have just joined. Jean Winchell has been a member and volunteer for 55 years,"  Avendt-Rhoades added. "Our volunteer numbers are down after we were closed for a few months due to COVID. Several of our members decided not to return. We're always looking for new members. "

Anyone interested in learning more about becoming a member and volunteering should contact a current member or stop in the store for more information.

Thrift Shop Association of Monroe

Location: 119 S. Monroe St.

Started: Feb. 4, 1952

Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday

Services: Clothing for men, women, and children along with small household furnishings, jewelry, books, and toys

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057080005362

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Thrift Shop Association of Monroe celebrates 70 years in business