Downtown thrift store back in business... -
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Published on: 7/29/2001
Last Visited: 7/29/2001
D. thrift store , manager Matt Willingham vowed to save it somehow.
It took almost a year , but he made good on his promise.
The store -- which provides job training to disabled teens and clothing for the poor -- offers funky trinkets and furniture , used housewares and bargain clothing.It will reopen Wednesday at 530 State St. , a spot that stood empty since the store closed in November.
I used my life savings to get this reopened , said Mr. Willingham , who has renegotiated the lease , rehired former employees , and renamed the store R.
D.D. , which stands for Rendering Aid to the Disabled and Disadvantaged. ( The store is no longer affiliated with Rancho de Los Animales for the Disabled program in Arroyo Grande. ).
Mr. Willingham sees the store playing a vital role in the community in a number of ways.He is employing 15 people , paying them roughly $9 an hour.You've got to provide a living wage in this town , he says.
The store will continue to provide training to 15 developmentally disabled youths at Dos Pueblos High School , who learn to sort clothes and help customers find things.And it will continue to serve bargain hunters , low-income families and the homeless , some of whom live within walking distance of the store.
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Mr. Willingham has also entered into a mutually beneficial arrangement with the national Dream Foundation , based in Santa Barbara , which grants wishes to dying adults.Some proceeds from the thrift store will be donated to the foundation specifically for the granting of local wishes , and the foundation will refer people who want to make donations of clothing and furniture to the shop.
We are really excited about the effort Matt has put into this project , and we have assured him that all his donations will go toward local projects , said Carol Brown , the Dream Foundation's executive director.
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Mr. Willingham , 34 , said he was able to negotiate a five-year lease with the owners , the Thompson Family Limited Partnership , and he has faith that the store will succeed.
One of the whole points of this store is Santa Barbara helping Santa Barbara , said Mr. Willingham , who is seeking nonprofit status for the operation.I am really hoping Santa Barbara gets behind this and supports it..
The store will be reorganized to be more customer-friendly , with sections devoted to children , jewelry and vintage clothing and antiques.
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A newlywed , Mr. Willingham said his wife and several relatives are helping him get the store up and running again.
He has painted the interior of the cavernous shop and bought new display equipment , including 10 , 000 hangers.He helps drive the truck that picks up donations seven days a week , and is directing the sorting and placement of goods for sale.
I'm a people person -- I love this , said Mr. Willingham.In a year , I hope that we will have an anniversary party , and send a bunch of the kids who work here to Disneyland.Can you imagine.I'd love to see that happen..
People interested in helping the R.
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D.D. Thrift Store can contact Willingham at 895-1526.
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