Thrift Store looking to break yearly record; donate or volunteer now

Look at this number: $3,500,000. That’s three and a half million! Since 1990, the volunteer run Kane County Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Store, through the largess of the patrons who shop and donate items, has contributed this amount to Kane County Hospital.

John Duffield is celebrating his retirement from the Thrift Store and his 80th birthday this year! Photo via Claudia Presto.

Can 2025 break 2024’s one-year record contribution of $300,000? It can be done with your donations and shopping! The Thrift Store currently has 45 volunteers and is always looking for a few more good men and women to join in the fun. Volunteer shifts are for 3 hours, minimum once a week. The time frames are either 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. or 1 - 4 p.m.

The joys of volunteering include making new friends, sorting through items donated, getting a 30 percent discount and knowing you are helping raise funds for the hospital. Talk to any of our magnificent managers about volunteering - Don Briggs, Deon Button, Ruth E. Norskog, Troy Snow and Teresa Trujillo.

John Duffield, the man of all trades who we all adore, has worked at the Thrift Store for over 10 years as one of the outdoor managers. He has retired, and the Thrift Store had a fabulous party to celebrate his 80th birthday and how much we all love and appreciate him. You’ll still see him filling in and visiting, so be sure to thank him for all his hard work and dedication.

We are expanding our jewelry area, and this means a lot more beautiful baubles to adorn you. If you want to purchase a jeweled item, it will be held at the counter waiting for you at checkout.

Not a happy topic to write about, but the incidence of shop lifting has increased in the Thrift Store. We have now installed cameras, and the police will be called for every instance of shoplifting. If you are in dire need of something, and don’t have the money to purchase it, please don’t shoplift. Talk to one of our wonderful managers and we will work something out with you.

Store hours are Monday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Drop off for donated items is 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. daily.