By Sarah Greil
TOMAHAWK – Running out of space generally isn’t a good problem to have, but to an organization that is counting on donated goods to help out the community, the challenge is welcomed.
Tomahawk Community Thrift Shop (TCTS) previously rented a space on W. Wisconsin Ave. that included 11 small rooms and two work rooms, but they seemed to be bulging at the seams with donations and needed more retail space.
When Dollar General moved their store, the building at 328 N. 4th St. seemed like the perfect fit.
It took 91 volunteers and 771 volunteer hours to get the new building ready before anything could be moved in. After about a month of renovations – stripping and waxing the floors, painting the walls and creating more office space – they were finally ready to move in.
In addition to the countless hours of many other volunteers, about 35 Tomahawk High School seniors spent a whole morning moving boxes from the old store, unpacking them and sorting items in the new store.
Although the building has doubled in size, the volunteer staff has not.
Sharon Eisenman, who coordinates and trains volunteers, says the volunteers range in age from 15 to 88 years old. She says they are always looking for volunteers to sort, price or put items on racks. She even has jobs for those who are only able to sit while they work.
Before officially opening the doors on June 7, Sharon allowed some residents from Milestone Senior Living to shop on June 3 to beat the big crowds, and so Sharon could practice using the new cash register. She decided it was such a success that she also opened up on June 4 to whoever happened to stop by. She said she saw many jaws drop as they entered the new space.
Since 2019, TCTS’s mission has been to “provide financial assistance to the various federally-recognized charities in the Tomahawk area by offering grants.” After all the bills are paid, 80% of profits are given to charities.
Sharon says they are always looking for more charities to apply for grants. After the last application window of time, there was still money left over. She says they can’t give the money away unless they know someone needs it.
To apply for a grant, charities can stop by the store to pick up an application.
TCTS is currently open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Wednesday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Follow Tomahawk Thrift on Facebook for updates.
