Sunset Store volunteers make the shift to a new site

That simple, snappy motto - We sell the best and recycle the rest - perfectly describes Ewing's Sunset Store.

Originally opened in 2008 in the village's vacant lumber yard, the thrift shop has thrived through two relocations in its 16-year history. Now, volunteers are putting the finishing touches on the store's forever home in the former Ewing school building.

Finding the store is as easy as ABC. Visitors can enter the former high school building through the southeast entrance, then proceed to the second door on the left, where a bright pink sign welcomes them.

In early December, the dedicated volunteers learned they would soon move into the old school site. That marked the start of a well-organized relocation effort.

Calls went out for extra hands to help transport larger items. Longtime volunteer Linda Wingett shared that people from Orchard, Ewing, Norfolk, and Clearwater answered the call.

"We did it room by room," Wingett said, crediting a core team of volunteers who carefully packed for the move. One local family pitched in by loading and hauling all items from the garage.

After Christmas, the real heavy lifting began. Volunteers loaded trailers and pickups for the short one-block move from Cedar Street to Spruce Street.

"It went well. The (basketball) boys brought stuff over and put it where it was supposed to go," Wingett said.

Summerland boys' basketball coach Brett Kaczor said four players - Michael Koenig, Parker Napier, AJ Hobbs, and Ryan Rifer - offered to help the store.

He added, "I knew it would be tough to get a lot of the players there, but I also knew the Sunset ladies needed help. We've got plenty of young, energetic bodies to help out our communities. We always have big crowds that come out and support us, and this is just a small way to give the support back."

"They moved five loads," added Doris Ann Bollwitt, another faithful volunteer.

Once everything arrived, the first priority was mapping out the layout. Volunteers collaborated to decide how and where to display merchandise.

Shelves salvaged from the elementary building were repurposed and painted, creating extra display space. Larry Peters was praised for his handyman skills, including constructing a sturdy hanging rack in the check-in area.

"He did a lot of pounding and banging, but he made it work," Wingett said with a smile.

Bollwitt added, "He made the space convenient for us." An area between the former resource room and its overflow section was designated for checkout, offering workers ample space to prepare items for sale. "We can see the store and greet customers," Wingett said

The former resource room now houses kitchenware and dishes, while the library space showcases clothing, shoes, and home decor on shelves once filled with books. In one corner, an expanded holiday section will offer seasonal items year-round.

"Instead of waiting for holidays to approach, customers will find holiday-specific items anytime," Bollwitt said.

While the process has been somewhat overwhelming, volunteers view the journey as positive.

"We've changed things, and we'll probably change them a lot more," Bollwitt said.

"It's a work in progress," Wingett added.

Although most items have been moved, a few remain in a storage shed and one room of the house. For now, donations are not being accepted. Volunteers reminded that large furniture items, such as mattresses, sofas, TVs, computers, and appliances, will not be accepted.

With a dedicated crew of 13 volunteers, the thrift shop runs smoothly. Some work scheduled shifts, while others help out when they can.

"An hour or two makes a big difference," Wingett said, encouraging more people to volunteer.

The store's origin dates back to 2008 when Fr. James Kramper, who served St. Peter de Alcantara and St. John the Baptist parishes, needed a way to manage leftover items from the village's garage sale day. Kramper invited residents to drop off unsold items at the lumber yard, leading to the opening of the thrift shop.

Its mission was straightforward: reveal God's love through service and generosity. Recycling and upcycling added value by turning trash into treasure.

Initially, the goal was to sell $50 worth of items daily to cover rent. Surplus funds were used to support community members in need. By its 10th anniversary, the store had donated $120,000 to the greater Ewing area. Since then, Bollwitt estimates another $36,000 has been given back. Volunteers meet monthly to decide where funds are most needed.

Unused clothing and shoes are sorted, packed, and sent to Orphan Grain Train, a Norfolk-based Christian network that distributes supplies to people in 71 countries. More volunteers are always needed to help with these efforts.

The store opened its doors on Wednesday, Jan. 8. Sunset Second Hand Store will operate Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Monday evenings from 5 to 7 p.m.

"We're looking forward to opening our doors. It's going to be a little Macy's," Wingett said, chuckling.