In November 2018, the city’s Thrift Shop held its customary Anniversary Sale earning the most proceeds ever from the one-day event in its 43-year history. Total sales were nearly $30,000, an increase over previous sales records.

Thorough preparation was the key to success, according to a press release announcing the new record. Store staff and volunteers started preparing in September by setting aside luxury apparel, handbags, jewelry, and by organizing holiday merchandise and décor. The store was closed the day before the sale while a group of 30 moms and daughters from the National Charities League of Mercer Island helped staff and volunteers create a “winter holiday wonderland,” the press release noted. On sale day, customers enjoyed a store-wide discount of 30 percent, while staff served coffee, cider and refreshments, and a team of four cashiers rang up 603 customers with 3,538 items.

The Mercer Island Thrift Shop (MITS) is a revenue-generating component of the city of Mercer Island’s Youth and Family Services Department, and supports programs such as school based counseling, youth development, individual and family counseling, senior adult outreach, substance abuse and emergency family assistance.

Learn more at www.mercerislandthrift.org or stop by and ask a manager for a tour.