With a long-awaited addition now under construction, the Iola Senior Citizens thrift store at 223 N. State St. is making some changes and planning fundraisers to finish the project.
The store will have extended hours, returning to a schedule similar to what was offered before the COVID-19 pandemic and offering evening hours on Wednesdays twice a month. (See hours listed at the end of this article.)
Thrift store organizers hope the change in hours will result in more sales. They still need to raise money to complete the addition.
Even after the building is constructed, the store will need another $30,000 or so to finish the interior work. That includes electrical and a heating/cooling unit.
The board is considering fundraisers, such as a spring fashion show. They’re also working with Thrive Allen County to obtain grants.
A CREW with Yutzy Construction began working Monday to build the 30-feet by 40-feet metal building. Dimity Lowell, who handles public relations for the board, said a crew was available a few weeks ahead of schedule.
“We’re excited to see it going up,” Lowell said. “I was a little overwhelmed. We didn’t expect them until March.”
Once construction is complete, the store likely will begin using the new addition even though it won’t have heat or air conditioning. A timeline to finish the work will depend on funding.
“It’s a start. This gets us going on the right path,” Lowell said.
The Senior Citizens group initially asked the county to build an extension to their existing building to alleviate the cramped shopping conditions. Commissioners, though, said it was too difficult and costly to add onto the structure.
The board then explored other options, which led to a plan for the metal building. It won’t be directly attached to the building, but doors to both buildings will line up with a short walkway between them.
The board is paying for the cost of the building using proceeds from sales.
In previous years, the store donated proceeds to other civic organizations to help those in need.
“We want to get back to that. We know there’s a lot of need,” Lowell said. “Iola is a good community when it comes to giving.”
The board is currently seeking letters of support to apply for a grant program offered through Casey’s, and previously received a grant from Your Community Foundation.
They also want to organize a fashion show with the help of 4-H groups or other organizations, along with other fundraising ideas.
