Donations to Spectrum Thrift Store aid others

Spectrum Thrift Store staff Julie, Jes, Lynda, Colinne and Katie (not picured Janelle)

(decorahnews.com reporter Becky Vande Lune is doing a three-part series on shopping for Christmas presents at local thrift stores)

The Spectrum Network helps over 100 clients build skills and natural supports so that they can succeed independently in their work and daily lives, live in a home of their choosing, and work where they want.

Decorah's Spectrum Thrift Store provides employment for three former clients, whose daily jobs range from sorting pop cans, cleaning glassware, sorting jewelry, books, movies and CD's, to hanging up clothing to be sold. All donated clothing, first goes to the Spectrum Network, where their clients help sort and categorize each item. That process can take a while to prepare the clothing for resale in the store.

December is a busy month for thrift stores and Spectrum is no exception. Many families and children shop at the thrift store for affordable Christmas gifts and decorations. One Saturday, the staff spent the day assembling and decorating Christmas trees for resale. If you are looking for Christmas decorations, they are 50 percent off through the end of the month. They have daily sales and Saturday's "$5 a bag sale" is a favorite among customers.

Aside from giving back their profits to Spectrum Network's clients, the Spectrum Thrift Store gives back as they are made aware of needs. Blankets and clothes to fire victims, clothing to overseas mission trips, bins and baskets to school classrooms are just a few causes they've helped out this year.

Volunteers are welcome.  There is a need for sorting through donated items to be sold in the store. If you'd like to volunteer at Spectrum Thrift Store, call (563) 382-8401.

If you don't like the chore of taking back cans and bottles for redemption, there is a container located outside the store where you can donate your cans and bottles 24/7.

All proceeds from Spectrum Thrift Store go back to Spectrum Network, specifically aiding clients with special needs. Employees expressed being grateful for community support with the many donations they receive, so they can continue aiding their clients.

Stores hours are Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.  There is a drop off area for donations, open 24/7.

Materials sorter and can sorter Dale Bohr

Materials Handler Ken Mihm helps sort cd's for resale

Materials Handler Michelle Amdahl cleans a teapot to ready it for resale