Drew Thrift Shop Offers Bargain Basement Prices
The Putnam County Courier
Thursday June 17, 1999
By Eric Gross, Staff Reporter

CARMEL - Looking for an inexpensive outfit? Do you need a house gift? How about a set of everyday dinnerware? The Drew United Methodist Church Thrift Shop is the answer to your shopping needs.

Located on Gleneida Avenue in Carmel and now operating with expanded hours, the thrift shop is run by a group of dedicated church volunteers.

As Drew Thrift Shop Board Chairwoman Robin Keith put it, "our thrift shop is a great place of fellowship".

During a visit to the thrift shop last Thursday evening, Mrs. Keith said the shop was open three days a week from April - October.

Donations make up the majority of merchandise sold at the thrift shop but Mrs. Keith said some stores do occasionally drop off items.

Walking through the shop, a customer is amazed by the variety and selection of quality merchandise available for purchase. "When it comes to clothing a family, we have everything and anything. We can outfit a family of four from head to toe for less than $50," she said.

The Drew Thrift Shop has boutiques featuring casual clothing, business clothing and evening clothing for women as well as men's wear and children's clothing.

"All our clothing is in excellent condition. Prices start at $2 for a fine woman's sweater and $1.50 for a pair of slacks, all the way to our upscale section which features designer names," she said.

In addition to a family's clothing needs, the Drew Thrift Shop features a toy and book section that includes a wide variety of magazines and records.

Joan Dusenbury of Carmel was one of the volunteers serving last week. Mrs. Dusenbury said the thrift shop had expanded its hours to include Thursday evenings because "we feel a purchase base exists in Putnam County that hasn't been reached. Women are coming back to the job market in large numbers. They want to supplement their wardrobe or even start a wardrobe. The Drew Thrift Shop is the answer."

Mrs. Dusenbury selected several pieces for a woman's wardrobe that cost only $17 which included a blazer and slacks, a brand new blouse, a silk tie-back dress, a short-sleeved shirt and a long tee-dress. "For less than $20, which includes tax, a shopper can get six outfits," she said.

Anna Russo of Carmel, a real estate agent, was browsing through the store last week. "I'm a frequent shopper here," she said, adding: "I'm so glad the Drew Shop is now open in the evening."

The store operates on Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. On Thursday, the store is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and during the summer months from 7 - 8:30 p.m. On Saturday, the shop is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The shop may be called at (914) 225-2655.

Volunteers who man the thrift shop include Ellie Arnholm, Ellie Pianforini, Diane Amicucci, Margaret O'Connor, Lauren Hazelton, Linda Silleck, Jim and Judy MacDonald, Margaret Bain, Flo Dean, Barbara White, Debbie Murnan, Elsie Gilsinan, Dagmar Swanson, Mary Kipp, Norma Gileo, and Bea Morgan.