La Mesa’s Thrift Korral Resale Boutique marked a milestone $1 million in donations to Sharp Grossmont Hospital. Founded 20 years ago, the thrift store, located at 8693-A La Mesa Blvd, has been part of the Grossmont Hospital Auxiliary, which is a philanthropic arm of Sharp Grossmont Hospital. With outstanding bargains in new and gently worn clothing, books, housewares, furniture and collectibles, the thrift store is a successful and popular fixture in its community.
La Mesa’s Thrift Korral Resale Boutique marked a milestone $1 million in donations to Sharp Grossmont Hospital. Founded 20 years ago, the thrift store, located at 8693-A La Mesa Blvd, has been part of the Grossmont Hospital Auxiliary, which is a philanthropic arm of Sharp Grossmont Hospital. With outstanding bargains in new and gently worn clothing, books, housewares, furniture and collectibles, the thrift store is a successful and popular fixture in its community.
Connie Crain has been the store’s manager for one and a half years. She explained that the store serves a pivotal role in generating funds for the hospital’s major initiatives, such as its Emergency and Critical Care Center, the Da Vinci Robotic Surgery System, its new state-of-the-art Cardiac Catheterization Lab and Sharp Hospice Care Hospice Homes.
“The milestone $1 million mark was reached in November of last year, and was announced in December,” Crain stated with pride.
She explained that 75 volunteers, five of whom hold PhDs, staff the thrift store. “They all contribute indispensably to the store’s success,” said Crain, who herself started as a volunteer before being offered one of the two paid positions.
“We get great donations, and our wonderful volunteers, who are screened by the hospital, play such an essential role here from sorting, fixing, displaying and selling the merchandise that is so generously donated,” Crain added.
Special sales also abound. “Everyday there’s something on sale, and everyday it’s a different special. We have several customers that come in daily because they know this,” said Crain.
“Wednesday marked the grand opening of our art gallery room. A frame shop that closed, donated its art and we have a room in the store that is now dedicated to that,” Crain stated with enthusiasm.
She explained that nothing seems to go to waste. After sorting, clothing items not deemed for resale can find their way to serve the needs of hospital patients. Additional surplus is donated to Father Joe’s Village.
“We also have a huge recycling program. You can’t imagine the amount of hangers we get. All bags and cardboard are also recycled,” Crain explained, adding, “From a medical standpoint, walkers, canes and wheelchairs are given to the hospital for needy patients.”
“We hold a Holiday Open House on a Saturday in November. Sharp Grossmont Hospital’s Dr. Pogue dresses up as Santa, and we have cookies and refreshments for our customers. We close the shop the day before, so we can put out all our holiday merchandise and decorations. The community loves it.” Asked if she was happy with her job, Crain beamed “I love what I do here!”
Carmel McCarthy and Jeanne Iturri, two of the very dedicated volunteers, also love what they do. “This is the best place to work. We have the best volunteers, the most wonderful customers and the best manager and assistant manager Rada Pilipovic. It’s a joy to come in here and help out,” stated a very enthusiastic Iturri.
McCarthy, who uses a walker, explained that it’s one of the few places where she can come in and volunteer due to her condition and she looks forward to it.
Open 9:30 am to 4 pm, Monday to Saturday, Thrift Korral is a true asset to its community, offering unbeatable bargains in these economically challenging and green-friendly times, while proving to be a significant contributor to some of
Sharp Grossmont Hospital’s most innovative and essential programs and functions.
