DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- Looking for a way to make extra money next time you’re at Dobbins? The base thrift shop might be able to help.
The Dobbins Thrift Shop accepts goods via two methods: donations and consignment. They accept everything from clothes to kitchen appliances. They even sell uniform items.
“There’s always someone coming in who needs a pair of pants, a shirt, a dress shirt, or whatever, and sometimes we can help them out,” said Marcia Miller, a thrift shop volunteer.
When an item is donated, 100% of the profits go to the thrift shop, which in turn donates all of its proceeds to charity. When an item is consigned, the person selling the item gets 80% of the sell price and the thrift shop retains the rest.
“It helps the military members, as well, because they’re earning some money on their stuff,” said Miller. “It helps people in many ways.”
The assistance provided by the shop is twofold. First, the shop donates all of its profits to a number of charities, including the Dobbins Emergency Relief Fund, the USO, and many others. Additionally, it provides low-cost items for military families who have recently moved to the area and might need certain items to furnish their new homes.
The shop has a rich history at Dobbins. It was started by the officers’ wives’ club nearly thirty years ago and was located in a trailer across from the building that currently houses the 22nd Air Force headquarters. It’s now located across from Outdoor Recreation.
Run by a tight-knit group of nearly 10 volunteers, the shop is always looking for more volunteers to continue providing service to the Dobbins community.
“We need new blood,” said one volunteer. “We need some younger folks to step up and volunteer to take the place of these dear old ladies.”
The shop is open Thursdays and drill weekend Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.