Katie Bidelspach and her son pose the Riverside Thrift Store in Wilmington (Provided photo — Naj Wikoff)

In Wilmington, the Riverside Thrift Store is a thriving asset led by volunteers from the Whiteface Community United Methodist Church.

Thrift shops exist in many communities such as Elizabethtown, Lake Placid, Saranac Lake and Wilmington, but they are not as old a community asset as one might think.

People have passed on clothes from an adult to a sibling, from one sibling to another, or given them to those less fortunate for thousands of years. What’s relatively new is creating shops where people leave their old clothes, kitchenware and other items for others to purchase for a modest amount. The root of this practice goes back to the creation of mass-produced clothing in the 19th century coupled with the growth of cities.

As clothing became cheaper to produce and living quarters in urban environments more constrained as the population grew, people started to see their clothes as disposable. Enterprising people began to gather the castoffs and sell them from pushcarts to arriving immigrants and others in need of cheap clothing. Still, a stigma was attached to such clothing as many didn’t want to wear other people’s hand-me-downs.

Christian missionaries, though, recognized a need. They realized if the clothes and items were sorted for quality and cleanliness and presented properly, coupled with the church’s role of serving people, they’d be in the position to acquire clothing in better condition. Furthermore, those in need would be likely to purchase the clothing, especially if they understood the fees paid would contribute to the church’s good work.

Carol McDonald and Barbara Signorelli work the checkout. (Provided photo — Naj Wikoff)

Riverside builds on that tradition. Shoppers are fully aware that the money they spend helps cover the Whiteface Community United Methodist Church’s operational costs and supports many worthy charities in the region, ranging from food banks to the Adirondack Wildlife Refuge.

Don Morrison, of Jay, who takes in and sorts donations, has been volunteering since Riverside opened. Like many other volunteers, Morrison is a member of Whiteface Community United Methodist Church and gives his time to help support the parish. Morrison volunteers a couple of days a week. He said that while they went through a period of receiving far fewer donations, there has been a definite increase of late.

“I like being a part of a team and helping support the work of the church,” said Morrison. “That’s all. I’m also a coordinator of the Jay-Wilmington Food Shelf, which is located in the next building. So, these two activities are connected. As people got their government checks, attendance dropped off a bit, but the need is still there.”

“Oh, my goodness, we’re here all the time,” Katie Bidelspach, of Jay. “I love the thrift shop. It’s vital. It’s affordable. I like recycling and reusing, and it’s fun for kids. I’ve got two children. We always love coming in here because we can always leave with a toy. It’s also a good place to get rid of stuff when you’re cleaning out. What comes around goes around.”

Volunteers represent a range of ages as evidenced by middle school student Sarah Tremblay, who started volunteering over the Christmas holidays. She said she loves volunteering, especially as she received so many things from Riverside over the years. To her, the toy room was a magical place to come, a supervised place where parents know they can safely leave their children while they shop.

Cora Trumbull (Provided photo — Naj Wikoff)

“Every time I came here when I was younger, I found something I wanted,” said Tremblay. “There were always wonderful things, and all affordable, too! Now I can help others and develop skills that will help me get a job, say working in a store when I’m older. It’s great practice.”

Cora Trumbull, of Jay, is another member of the church who has volunteered since Riverside opened. She said she enjoys meeting a wide range of people, many she knows and other new who come in. Trumbull likes the camaraderie that comes with working with or helping others. Lynn Coffey is such a person. She found several unopened boxes of quality briefs for just $1.25 a pair.

“I’m a thrifter,” said Coffey. “I very seldom buy new because I believe in recycling clothes. Honestly, the new clothes are not nearly as well made as what you can find here. You can get name-brand and quality at Riverside all the time. It’s better to pay two dollars on a name-brand that’s slightly used than lots of money on something that doesn’t last.”

One of the managers, Nancy Rine of AuSable Forks, said that COVID-19 cost them some donations early on, but recently there has been an uptick as people have been starting on their spring cleaning. She said they also lost some volunteers and could use more as interest in the store increases as more people are getting vaccinated.

Initially as a seasonal resident, Rine started out volunteering when she could. Once she and her husband relocated to the North Country full-time, she joined the church and put in more time volunteering. Rine loves the work, saying it’s gratifying. She urges others to consider volunteering and donating items, as the demand is increasing. Rine pointed out that the income they generate supports a variety of organizations. At times, whatever is donated at the cash register goes directly to an organization like AuSable Valley Habitat for Humanity, Wilmington Youth programs, the Wilmington Historical Society building and others.

Don Morrison (Provided photo — Naj Wikoff)

Pastor Helen Beck echoed Rine, saying many people love coming because it’s a beacon of hope, a place where people help each other and greet you with a smile, even on the darkest day. She also pointed out that while many churches have a more challenging time attracting younger people, Riverside has benefited the church through attracting people of all ages.

Riverside Thrift Store hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday, 1169 Haselton Road, Wilmington.

Nancy Rine (Provided photo — Naj Wikoff)