With holiday shopping in full swing, a local thrift shop is offering affordable, one-of-a-kind gifts and festive décor this season.
During the holiday season, part of the Menifee Valley Community Cupboard Thrift Store is transformed into a holiday shop stocked with Christmas-themed goods, including inflatables, clothing, dishes, and other trinkets that make for unique gifts.
The thrift store saves donated holiday items throughout the year and stores them until the season arrives — a practice that began a few years ago.
“We accumulate quite a bit, so we started setting aside November and December to operate the holiday shop,” said Dawn Smith, executive director of the Menifee Valley Community Cupboard (MVCC) and Thrift Shop.
(Photo by Katja Zimmer)
Smith said the organization researches items to ensure fair pricing that remains below typical retail costs.
“We try very hard in both the regular store and the holiday store to research items and get a fair price because that money goes to feed people in the community,” she said.
Profits made from the holiday and thrift shop support the MVCC food pantry, which provides food and nutrition to hundreds of local families. Those seeking assistance can contact MVCC at 951-301-4414.
While some shoppers purchase gifts for loved ones at the holiday shop, others use the shop to decorate their homes each year at lower prices, often donating last year’s decorations.
“I have people make the joke that they rent their Christmas decorations from us because they buy them one year and donate them the next year,” Smith said.
She added that many donors contribute unique holiday collections that can’t be found elsewhere.
(Photo by Katja Zimmer)
The holiday shop is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and is located next to the thrift shop at 26944 Cherry Hills Blvd. The holiday shop will remain open until Dec. 31, giving shoppers the opportunity to take advantage of after-Christmas sales. The thrift shop is open year-round.
The Thrift Store accepts gently used donations throughout the year and continues to accept Christmas items. Smith said holiday merchandise sells quickly, and additional items are encouraged.
MVCC is funded through the thrift store, grants, and community donations.
(Photo by Katja Zimmer)
(Photo by Katja Zimmer)
(Photo by Katja Zimmer)
(Photo by Katja Zimmer)
(Photo by Katja Zimmer)
