At The Fountains at Greenbriar retirement community in Independence, a little city has taken form. And part of that city’s operation is a small thrift store that serves not just the residents, but the employees.
While there are several people behind its operation, it’s Lois Smythe and Sharon Johnson who pilot the ship. Located in the basement, the public thrift store provides an avenue of sale and exchange for residents and the public. More than that, money made at the store is put into a fund and distributed equally to about 50 hourly employees as part of a holiday bonus.
Where did the idea for the thrift store come from?
Smythe: The people that live here can’t tip employees, it’s against policy, so this is residents’ way of giving back.
Johnson: It’s been here for over 20 years, and the residents like it because it gives them a chance to get rid of things they don’t need. People can exchange things, too. One woman here has cancer and her clothes no longer fit, so she donated them here. We get a lot of things. The strangest is a tree. It’s not real, but it’s the strangest thing we’ve gotten. Some people here don’t leave the grounds at all, so this is their only store.
Smythe: The most expensive thing here is $10.
Johnson: And we have a lot of items that are under a dollar.
When is the thrift store open, and why do you help with it?
Smythe: It’s open during the weekdays, and the public can come too. A lot of people don’t know that. I help about one day a week. Others work many more days a week. It’s just gratifying to me.
How have the employees reacted to this program, and do other places like The Fountains do this kind of thing?
Smythe: They really appreciate it. And it’s more than just what they get during the holiday – they can bring in their own stuff, buy, exchange. As far as I know, there aren’t many who do this, but I’ve heard of a few.
But, really, it’s about the residents being able to give back to the hourly employees.
What other activities are going on at The Fountains in the near future?
Johnson: Starting this Sunday and lasting two weeks we’re having a food drive for Harvester’s Food Bank. Anyone can bring items to the home and put them in barrels that are placed around the property. Harvester’s then distributes the items out regularly to people in need.
Smythe: There are many activities for the residents here. There are a lot of classes, some new and others old.
Johnson: Many of the classes are held by request.
