Williams Senior Thrift is making a difference in the community

WILLIAMS, Ariz. — Great clothes and unique finds can be found at many thrift stores, but the Williams Senior Thrift Shop is unique because it not only sells needed items, but also donates its proceeds back to the community.

The shop opened nearly 30 years ago and has been managed by volunteer Mary Martin for the past eight years.

“Everything goes to charity. None of us get paid in there,” Martin said.

Along with Martin, Kathy Dalton, Mona Martinez and Vicki Cahill keep the shop running.

Over the years, the shop has donated to numerous charities including Williams High School, Williams Elementary-Middle School, Heritage Elementary, Head Start, Williams Little League, Williams Police Department, Williams Volunteer Fire Department, High Country Fire Rescue, Williams Public Library, Williams Aquatic Center, Williams Kiwanis Club, Williams Mountain Men, the Greater Williams Community Fund, the Williams Senior Center, Calvary Chapel, Williams Animal Action Group, disabled veterans, Habitat for Humanity, Hope For The World and Save-Meant-to-Rescue.

“We want to thank everyone for their donations of items and money, and for our faithful customers,” Martin said.

The shop does not accept furniture or appliances because of space, but takes anything else as long as it’s in good condition, Martin said.

Donations can be brought directly to the shop during open hours, or left in front of the outside shed or under the porch if weather is harsh.

The shop also accepts monetary donations.

“Right now our store is absolutely thriving because people cannot afford to go to Flagstaff anymore to buy things,” Martin said. “We saw kids get used items for Christmas presents, and they were very happy with that.”

The next plans for the thrift shop is purchasing tables for the city of Williams.

“They don’t have enough. Whenever something’s going on, the city is running around gathering up more tables,” Martin said.

Profits from the thrift store allow Martin and the rest of the team to make a difference in the community.

When asked what her favorite part about the thrift shop was, Martin replied with, “everything.”

“I just love these old folks. I love the young folks that come in,” Martin said. “I find that the kids in Williams are very unspoiled. They’re not used to demanding the best of everything and brand names. They’re just happy with what they get from the thrift store that their parents buy for them. That’s wonderful.”

Williams Senior Thrift Shop is located inside the Williams Senior Center.

“What people don’t realize is the food nutrition program is run by the county. We’re just in the city building, so we are separated,” Martin said. “All the donations come from the thrift store. And we even donate to the nutrition program sometimes if we want to have a party or want desserts and ice cream or something different than what the county wants to pay for.”

The Thrift Shop can be found at 850 W Grant Ave. They are currently operating under their winter hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays.