Meet me at the thrift shop

A group of individuals from the Orchard area cashed in on a lifelong dream, creating the newest business in town.

Old School Thrift Store, Inc., opened its doors Thursday, Sept. 1. Several customers arrived shortly before the 10 a.m. opening time, hoping to cash in on treasures.

As shoppers entered the former Orchard school building, chairs, filled with planters of mums, offered a cheery welcome.

Old School Thrift Store is located on the second floor of the building, filling five former classrooms with treasures. Another room is dedicated to sorting items.

Courtney Soper and daughter, Rebekah, of Page, were a couple of the early birds.

"I was looking for Halloween and autumn decor," Soper said.

She hit the thrifting jackpot.

In the holiday room, Soper found a fall leaf garland, three wooden signs, a door mat and candy corn cutouts with "Happy Halloween" painted on.

At the checkout counter, she located a decorative haunted house, Halloween-shaped candles and miniature pieces depicting an autumn scene.

She also found a few practical items, including a pair of cowboy boots and a baby doll for Rebekah.

By 10:20, Soper headed to the cash register. Bob Krutz rang up the first sale.

"Being one of the first to purchase was awesome because that meant I got most of what I wanted," Soper said, adding with a chuckle, "Not that I needed it."

The brainchild of Orchard residents Bev Krutz and Shelly Strope, Old School Thrift offers something for everyone.

Bev Krutz said, for years, she wanted to open a thrift store. As a full-time teacher, opening a store was impractical.

"When I retired, we said we wanted to do it," she said.

The two checked out other sites in town, but nothing fit. When the former school became available, Krutz and Strope approached village officials about using the second floor.

"We wanted to preserve the building. It's 100 years old next year. There are so many memories in this building for all the alumni and community members who went to school here," she said.

-profit corporation and established a board of directors.

In addition to Strope and Krutz, board members include AJ McClannahan, Dave Shrader and Lynae Stelling.

"We want to help out people, we want to help out organizations, we want to help out anyone who needs assistance," Krutz said.

Giving back to the community is a primary goal of the store. Profits will be put back into the community.

The store relies on volunteer support, whether to clean and sort donations, stage items or run the cash register.

Donated items have come from as far away as Omaha and Lincoln.

"We're taking donations all the time. We're a work in progress for a little bit," she said.

Shelving, display stands and a cash register were all donated to the store.

"Now that we're a non-profit and we're giving back - it's sitting in a garage, it's sitting in a shed - and they want to give back to people," Krutz said.

The store will utilize recycling for cardboard. Glass will be recycled at the county compactor in Neligh. Good, clean clothing will be shared with Orphan Grain Train and those items will be sent to other countries.

"We're all about giving back to everybody," Krutz said.

Organizers hope to network with other thrift stores in the area. To set up the store, they studied pricing and believe they are competitive.

"If you need a homecoming or prom dress, come here. They're only five bucks," Krutz said.

Boosting Orchard's economy will be another perk of shopping at the thrift store.

"Hopefully, it helps the businesses on Main Street. They'll go to the grocery store or get gas or stop by the hardware store and buy fudge. We hope it will generate that business or spur another business to start," she said.

Yet, there's an even bigger payoff Krutz hopes others experience while shopping.

"It's about empowering people," Krutz said.

Several volunteer workers have stepped out of retirement to assist with operations.

"They've been a big help."

What's available or what types of items may be donated?

One room features children's clothing, toys and games.

"We're looking for any size boys' clothing, up to size 10."

Another room is a hodgepodge of items, including a healthy supply of scrapbooking supplies, vintage sewing patterns and tools.

Home decor fills a third room, with treasures ranging from country chic to Americana items to baskets.

Women's and men's clothing and shoes fill a fourth room, while holiday decor is displayed in the fifth classroom.

Old School Thrift Store will be open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Volunteers are always welcome. Follow Old School Thrift on Facebook.