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Thrift Shop continues support for community

By Airman 1st Class Jose L. Hernandez , Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs / Published October 04, 2011

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MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Throughout the year, clubs and organizations on base often get together to host fundraisers and other events to help collect money for charitable causes.

One organization that has been dedicated to raising money for such causes is the Officers' Spouses' Club. One of the club's projects has been the administration of the base thrift shop.

For years the business itself has been a venue for raising funds for charities and scholarships in and around the base and Minot community, including other Air Force organizations.

Currently, all proceeds from the thrift shop are directed towards the OSC, which then provides contributions to charities including Operation Warmheart, Air Force Village, Minot Music Boosters and Minot AFB Youth Center, among others.

According to Michelle VanBemmelen, Thrift Shop advisor, the OSC also offers annual scholarships to high school students, college students, and spouses of military personnel. Last year, the OSC awarded $7,500 in scholarships.

"The thrift shop is run by many volunteers who want to give back to their community," said VanBemmelen. "We want to provide military personnel and their families with a place to shop inexpensively, all while also helping a select few in furthering their education."

Among the volunteers who continually help manage the thrift shop is Christina Doucette, Thrift Shop chairperson, who said more than 1,350 volunteer hours were dedicated last year.

"I'm the type of person who volunteers for everything," said Doucette. "Helping out here also gives me something to do."

She said despite having children, she finds the time help out at the Thrift Shop. Doucette even found the time to renovate the shop recently, changing the design and style of the thrift shop.

Currently the store offers clothing, shoes, accessories, household goods and seasonal décor among other items.

The thrift shop is open every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and is located at 211 Tanker Trail. Donations are accepted either during store hours, or at the drop off point inside the front glass doors.

For more information about the base thrift store visit their Facebook page at Minot AFB Thrift Shop.


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