I am writing in response to R. Belland’s letter printed in January 14th’s paper entitled “At the Thrift Store”.

I sympathize with your feelings “R” of being overwhelmed, insulted and offended at your recent experience at a thrift store which has obviously left you very angry, frustrated and resentful.

Customers are what keep a thrift shop running; as well as, donators, volunteers and the community as a whole.  The dollars received for donated goods flows back into the community in support of so many worthwhile causes; everyone wins.

Your experience was unfortunate; however, by submitting your letter to the editor you have inadvertently painted all thrift stores in the Bulletin/Townsman circulation area and these thrift store’s dedicated, yet dwindling, volunteers with a very broad black brush.  To fight against one person’s paranoia and lack of courtesy with your lack of compassion and empathy is disheartening indeed.  By branding all the area thrift stores; as well as, their hardworking volunteers, for your “cruel inhumane treatment” the whole community loses; an “uncomfortable situation” indeed.

The valuable volunteers of thrift stores everywhere thank-you for your past support and wish you health and happiness in the future.

Sincerely,

Margaret Moe

Past, Present & Future

Thrift Store Volunteer