By L. Parsons More Than a Corner Thrift is a new venture by Winslow business owner Laurie Lashomb. The store, located at 401 W. Third St., contains new and used items as well as collectibles and antiques. It’s focus however, is to contribute to local organizations throughout the year. Lashomb explained, “We want to provide a locally sustainable funding source for non-profits in our community.” According to Lashomb, the store will, “Achieve this through sales from the thrift store. The plan is to have an application process whereby local charities, organizations or even events can apply to the Board of Directors for contributions.” The board, which Lashomb said will remain anonymous, consists of a University of California, Los Angeles graduate with a specialty in non-profit work, a local attorney, a human resources specialist, a retail manager, a social worker and a local web design expert. “The board of directors is from all over the country,” Lashomb said, “and they each bring a special talent or experience with them. Having non-Winslow residents will help prevent any perceived favoritism in selection of which organizations to contribute to.” The process will be simple, Lashomb said. “We will select an organization and they will be asked to provide information about what they do to display in the store. This way, shoppers will be able to tie what they are spending to where their money is going.” Currently, the store is raising funds for the annual Elk’s Christmas Basket program. The program usually provides toys and food for 250 families in Winslow. This year, due to the pandemic, the lodge will only be distributing food as the demand will be higher. Lashomb said, “Right now we are having a silent auction on a seven-and-a-half-foot pre-lit decorated Christmas tree. The original cost is $180 and it will benefit the Elk’s baskets. You can make a bid by going to our social media.” More Than a Corner Thrift also features a year-round Christmas room that will have decorations and trimmings for the holiday season at all times. Lashomb said, “I just love the hope of Christmas, so I wanted to include that in this space.” The idea behind the inventory, according to Lashomb, is “something for everyone.” “We have a significant amount of toys, collectibles, jewelry and vintage treasures. We won’t be selling clothing due to space constraints but we do have a selection of vintage uniforms and hats. We even have some new, in-box toys and a selection of vintage records.” An entire room is dedicated to sewing needs. Most were purchased at estate sales including the well-attended DeAngelo’s Fabric and Notion shop sale held several years ago. “We have so many buttons and ribbons and patterns in here,” Lashomb said. “Everything we sell is priced at either 50 percent off retail or around 25 to 50 percent less than you can find on E-Bay. There are, however, a few vintage exceptions; one of a kind finds that have been donated with huge generosity with the hopes of raising good money for a good cause.” Donations of unique items are accepted. “We just ask that anything you bring in is in pretty good shape and clean. We will take just about anything as long as it fits.” Lashomb emphasized that 100 percent of the proceeds goes to the charities. There are plans to expand the endeavor as time goes on Lashomb explained. “We want to have a building outside where people can shop for materials, like construction materials and things like that. That is a little further down the road, but we will be working towards it.” The store is open by appointment only for the time being. Lashomb said, “We discussed trying to open in the middle of this pandemic and we came to the conclusion that this was the best way. We are still able to make money for our charities and keep people safe at the same time.” To make an appointment, visit More Than a Corner Thrift on Facebook or text Lashomb at (951) 805-8138. Appointments can be made between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Each appointment must be mutually agreed upon and can host two people for an hour of shopping. Masks are required and purchases are currently cash only. “Look for our website to be up and running soon,” Lashomb said, “In the meantime, we look forward to seeing you on the corner and helping to fund the Elk’s Christmas Baskets through December.”
