Optimist Club Thrift Store prepares for grand opening in Copperas Cove
By LYNETTE SOWELL
Cove Leader-Press
After losing its store space at two different locations, the Copperas Cove Optimist Club Thrift Store is preparing for a reboot and grand reopening on May 31.
The store’s new home is at 316 E. Avenue D.
The Optimist Club Thrift Store is the fundraising arm of the Copperas Cove Optimist Club.
Club President Mary Diaz said that the store will be open May 31 and June 1, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. for the grand opening celebration. Store Manager Tanja Ridings is among the volunteers who have been making the store ready for customers.
When shoppers enter the front of the store, they will find a consignment area, and also antiques and collectibles.
The other rooms in the former home are dedicated, room by room, to children’s, men’s and women’s apparel, shoes, and accessories. Another room will be home to household miscellaneous items, everything from plates and small appliances – which all come in as donations.
Diaz said they will accept donations of just about anything – except mattresses.
Diaz pointed out that their biggest selling items will have their own room as well – books.
“There’s not bookstore in Copperas Cove. Our books are 50 cents each for hardcovers and 25 cents each for softcovers. Where can you find books for 25 cents?” she said.
Most items in the store sell for $5 or less, and Diaz said parents can find great deals on children’s shoes. Many items come in, still new with tags, when donated by local stores. There are only a few exceptions, such as with certain formalwear.
“We also have ballgowns, that are $8 and $10. But everything combined is $5 or less, and we want to keep it like this because right now the economy in Cove is hard. It’s hard for people right now. So everything has to be $5 or less.”
Along with donations of items to sell, the store needs pant hangers and kids’ clothing hangers.
The store’s regular hours will be Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Diaz said the club always welcomes new members, and the club will have its first meeting on September 11, at 5 p.m. at Lil Tex.
Those who are interested in volunteering at the store should call (254) 781-9331.
Funds raised at the store will go toward causes involving children, and one of the largest is donating to McLane’s Children’s Hospital in Temple. The club also awards three annual $1,000 scholarships. Diaz said their plan is to resume scholarships with the 2024-2025 school year. They have also donated to Project Graduation for CCISD graduating seniors, donated classroom materials for special education students, and also donated to the Pride of Cove band.
The store itself has helped families in need, such as when families lose their home in a fire, they can help provide some household items.
The store posts regular status updates and calls for volunteers online at https://www.facebook.com/covehelp.