Thrift Shop volunteers earn special recognition for clothing donations

By Mr. Kenneth Fidler (IMCOM)July 16, 2008

Yongsan Thrift Shop Recognized for Orphanage Donations
YONGSAN GARRISON, Republic of Korea - Yongsan Secondhand Rose Thrift Shop volunteer Kelly Kim sorts through clothing that will be donated to non-profit organizations for distribution to orphanages and other charities in Korea. During the USAG-Yongsan... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

<b>YONGSAN GARRISON, Republic of Korea</b> - Thinking of just throwing out those old clothes' Think again, because the Secondhand Rose Thrift Shop can use them, if anything to help out orphanages and other organizations in need.

During the USAG-Yongsan Volunteer of the Quarter Ceremony July 9, the Thrift Shop earned special recognition for donating bags of used clothes to the Canaan Orphanage in Cheonan, located about 80 miles southwest of Seoul.

Jim Dunnet, outreach coordinator for University of Maryland University College at Osan Air Base, represented the orphanage and presented an appreciation plaque on the orphanage's behalf.

Dunnet is an elder and assistant coordinator of foreign missions at the Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul. He visits Yongsan weekly and picks up an average of 15 bags of clothes that his church distributes to orphanages around the world, including North Korea.

For many of the children, getting a shirt or a pair of shoes, even if secondhand, is "like Christmas to them," Dunnet said.

"Yongsan has donated probably well over 1,000, 30-gallon bags in the past two years," Dunnet told the audience at the ceremony. "They are very dedicated. The staff, although always busy, go out of their way to assist me. The orphanage wanted so much to show their appreciation for what America has done for their 30 children."

Nearly each week, the Thrift Shop, which is completely managed and operated by volunteers, separates its excess goods into three categories: clothing, toys and household goods.

"We feel very good about this," said Nisha Bassi, Thrift Shop manager. "What we don't sell we would have to discard. We are fortunate to have Mr. Dunnet and other representatives from other charitable organizations. Not only do they help us, but they also help those who are truly in need."

<b>SECONDHAND ROSE THRIFT SHOP</b>

HOURS

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays and Saturdays; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays

LOCATION

Bldg. 4222 next to Multipurpose Training Facility, Yongsan South Post

PHONE

Commercial (02) 795-7675

CONSIGNMENT AND DONATIONS

Consignments are taken, by appointment only, from government ID card holders, and American Women's Club of Korea Thrift Shop Association members. Further details can be obtained from the consignment manager. Donations are taken during normal business hours or can be dropped in a donation box located near the side entrance of the shop any time of day.

Related Links:

USAG-Yongsan salutes top volunteers of quarter

USAG-Yongsan Flickr Photo Gallery

USAG-Yongsan Official Web Site