Department stores and shopping malls are major attractions this time of year, but thrift shop manager Linda Walker has high hopes more will consider checking out one of Joint Base Lewis-McChord's treasures as their source of gifting. The JBLM Thrift Shop on Lewis Main is a place to find bargains year-round and is very similar to a department store in its size and selection.

"With the way the economy is going right now and the fact that people don't have a lot of money to spend, the thrift shop can be the best way to go," said Linda Walker.

The shop receives donations from the immediate and surrounding communities. From gently used treasures to brand new furniture, Walker has seen every imaginable item come through its doors. Two of the more popular - and least expensive - items she sees fly off the shelves regularly are children's clothing and books. The shop has an extensive selection of both, with most of the books only costing 50 cents each. Clothing prices vary, but it is not uncommon to find a rack of 50-cent items as well.

"It's a fantastic way for people to get nice clothing for their children and not have to go out and pay hundreds of dollars," Walker said.

Just as Walker hopes shoppers will purchase from the store this holiday season, she also encourages them to consider donating items - especially as they go through their children's toys and make room for new ones this holiday season. The shop will accept virtually any donations, but asks that donors keep in mind one general rule of thumb.

"Please don't bring in something you'd throw away," said Laura Watkins, assistant manager. "We don't want garbage or anything that's obviously broken."

The Thrift Shop is only open during select hours, but donations can be dropped off in the donation shed anytime. The shed is monitored with security cameras and meant only for leaving donations. Walker said under no circumstances are people permitted to take from the donation shed.

"It's illegal to take donations from the Thrift Shop after they've been put in our shed or even outside around the shed," she said.

Anyone is eligible to purchase from the Thrift Shop, but only Department of Defense cardholders are permitted to consign.

If you go

What: Lewis Main Thrift Shop

Where: Buildings 2070 and 2071 on Pendleton Avenue

When: Tues. through Thurs., 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and the first Saturday of every month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Consignments: 9 to 11 a.m.

What: McChord Field Thrift Shop

Where: Building 717

When: 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the first Saturday of every month from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Consignments: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

OTHER STORIES...

People of the PX

Welcome to the Neighborhood - Daily ideas on area outings

Senate says chaplains don't have to perform gay weddings