Tilden's Thrift Store Celebrates 1st Anniversary

New 2 U, Tilden's community thrift store, is celebrating its first year in business, and volunteers are amazed what has been accomplished in just one year.

Volunteer Pat Magwire said the store has already given away $18,292 of its profits to area organizations and individuals in need. The communities of Tilden, Elgin, Neligh and Meadow Grove have all benefitted from this.

"We've given to fire and rescue, the legion, churches, and the food pantry," she said. "We've also given some individuals grocery cards and gas cards that have fallen on hard times. We participated in the backpack program at school and have paid for school lunches for those in need."

Magwire said it is amazing to think that they've been able to raise more than $18,000 when they are selling many items for 25 or 50 cents.

In addition to monetary donations, the thrift store is able to donate items to the Norfolk Rescue Mission and the Orphan Grain Train.

"We've given away more than 233 boxes of clothing to the Orphan Grain Train already," Magwire said.

Kathy Qualset said the thrift store has "anything from A to Z," offering everything from gently-used clothing to glassware, dishes, small appliances, jewelry and golf and fishing equipment. 

"We ask for the clothing to be gently-used," Magwire said. "If it's not something we would put on our family, we don't put it on our shelves. And, our donors are great. We get some really nice items here. We are some of our own best customers."

Tilden's New 2 U Community Thrift Store, located at 113 E. 2nd St., opened for business on Feb. 1, 2017. The idea for the store came from Susan Fields and Pastor Theta Dame of Tilden Peace United Church of Christ.

"They were looking for a store to help give back to the community, and there was a "For Rent" sign," Magwire said.

In addition to Fields and Pastor Dame, board members are Pat Decker, Phyllis Murray and Kathy Qualset. The store is run solely by volunteers, with about 15 people who volunteer on a regular basis.  

The thrift store is planning a one-year anniversary celebration with an open house on Friday, Feb. 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Birthday cake and coffee will be served, and there will be 50 percent off all men's and women's clothing.

Regular store hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.