FORT BENNING, Ga., (Aug. 10, 2016) -- A red, white and blue flag hangs outside of the Community Spouses Club Thrift Shop, a welcoming sign to all of its customers.
The CSC Thrift Shop, once located in Building 229, is now housed in Building 1713. It offers a variety of items such as children's clothing and shoes, books, crafts, electronics, adult clothing and shoes, designer purses and toys.
The housewares section is very popular. It's ideal for people already living on post who want to change things up or those coming here from other installations, said Laura Miller, the manager.
"We also have the TSP, or thrift shop property section. Individuals can always find items here that are at least 50 percent off. We usually have items with tags indicating they're four for a dollar in this section as well," Miller added.
The primary goal of the CSC Thrift Shop is to raise funds for the Community Spouses Club's welfare department. Last year, the Thrift Shop raised over $20,000, explained Miller.
The money that the CSC Thrift Shop raises helps fund scholarships and grants. The military spouses and children really benefit from it. Then there's the community, people love to come here and socialize as they shop, added Amy Rodriguez, the assistant manager and bookkeeper.
The CSC Thrift Shop is primarily operated with the help of volunteers.
"We're always looking for volunteers. The thrift shop wouldn't be able to run without all that they do," said Miller.
"I really enjoy the time that I spend here volunteering," added Leah Hunt, a volunteer at the CSC Thrift Shop.
Hunt recently received a Volunteer of Excellence award at the 2016 Maneuver Center of Excellence Volunteer Awards Ceremony for her service.
"The recognition I received was nice but not necessary. I do this because I enjoy it. I even brought my daughter here to begin volunteering. I want to teach her about the essence of giving back."
"I love to volunteer here. I wish we were open every day. We just moved to Benning in May so I wanted to do something that would help me feel like part of the community. It's been God sent so far," said Jean Lee, another volunteer.
The CSC Thrift Shop takes donations and consignments.
"We ask that people donate gently used items. For those who choose to consign their goods, we offer a 70 percent commission to them," said Miller.
While there are other places that people on post can donate their belongings, all the funds that the CSC Thrift Shop receives from their items help support the community, added Miller.
Barbara Howard, a longtime customer, visits the CSC Thrift Shop three times a week.
"I've been coming here since 1971 when they were located elsewhere," Howard said.
The people here are friendly and the items are reasonably priced, she added.
"Ever so often, I come over here and shop," said Alicia Philips, another customer.
"There's a variety of things in here that you can purchase at a low cost," Philips added.
"I've found some good electronic stuff and it's nice to know I'm giving back to the community," said Anthony Darnell, an employee with the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation.
The CSC is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is also open one Saturday a month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
"Our next Saturday opening will be Sept. 24 in conjunction with the postwide yard sale and flea market.
We encourage sellers participating to donate any leftover items to the thrift shop that day," said Miller.
The CSC Thrift Shop takes consignments Tuesday and Wednesday 10 a.m. to noon. For more information, call 706-687-4830 or visit their Facebook page, Fort Benning CSC Thrift Shop.
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