Lucy Turovska has been a thrift store volunteer for the past 12 years. Photo courtesy of Vicki Cormack.

by Vicki Cormack

November 2010 — Once it spanned the length of an old farm shed, dirt floor and all. Now it’s grown to bursting at 515 Kelly Avenue. The Senior Coastsiders Thrift Store has been open for business since the 1980s; people from near and far come to shop, donate, and explore the wonderful array of items available. All proceeds go to support programs for seniors on the coast. The store is run by over 40 volunteers and two paid staff members. There is a sale every third weekend of the month and a world of delights to be explored all year long.

People who shop at thrift stores on their travels and around the Bay Area note that this shop is different than others. “It is so beautiful, full of interesting items and even new clothes … and there’s an amazing amount of collectibles from china to books,” said a visitor from Sacramento.

“It’s our only local department store,” said Suzanne Black, longtime volunteer and Senior Coastsiders board member.

“Ever since I was very young I loved to play dress up and ever since I was very young, I had a sense of adventure. Both these life-long loves are satisfied to the hilt when I go shop at Senior Coastsiders Thrift Store,” said Delores Sims, a volunteer at the center and avid shopper.

Volunteers love working at this nest of wonder. “I’m 83, and it keeps me busy. I see beautiful things at the store and meet beautiful people,” said Penny Medved.

Lucy Turovska, a volunteer at the store for 12 years. said, “It’s my second home.” She feels lucky to be able to work at the store; “It’s such a comfortable place,” she said. Turovska enjoys talking to the customers, and helping them out. She’s impressed with the volume of donations, too.

Duane Myers, weekend warrior and the volunteer well known for wearing so many hats, believes it’s one of the nicest — and most reasonably priced — thrift stores in the state.

Store manager and former volunteer Carla-Ruth Morgan noted: “An out-of-town customer said ‘Not only do I love helping the seniors but I meet wonderful people and make new friends.’”

Nancy Stern, Senior Coastsiders board member, said that the thrift store is one of “the magical places that offers a little something for everybody. Once you experience it — whether as a volunteer, discriminating shopper or by contributing personal effects that bring joy to others — you will instantly feel part of a very special community.”

Whether you prefer to give or receive, the Senior Coastsiders thrift store is a place you will find joy in visiting. The store is open Thursday through Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday noon-4 p.m. Donations are gladly accepted up to one hour before closing. All proceeds from the store support programs for seniors on the coast.

Vicki Cormack is a program manager at Senior Coastsiders.