Getting Thrifty
All Saints Thrift Store…
he thrill of hunting for a unique find at a thrift store resonates with many. For families and individuals alike, this enjoyable activity combines the excitement of discovering hidden treasures with the satisfaction of supporting the local community. All Saints Thrift Store on Bechelli Lane in Redding has been doing just that for 30 years. This little gem of a store not only offers great bargains but also donates its proceeds to local charitable causes.
The store’s journey began in 1994, when members of All Saints Episcopal Church, the Ramsey and Morgan families, envisioned creating a thrift store to benefit the local community. After extensive research, planning and hard work, All Saints Thrift Store was born. Over its 30 years of operation, the store has donated more than half a million dollars to local charitable organizations. Community groups often approach the church or board members with a need, and the board carefully reviews requests to determine how they can help. In addition, the store maintains a discretionary fund to assist individuals facing emergencies, such as victims of house fires.
Bob Wilson, co-manager and chairman of the nonprofit board, has volunteered at the store for 15 years. “I believe in helping those who are less fortunate and giving back to the community because we are all one family,” he says. “The volunteers strive to make the store the cleanest and most organized store it can be. Everyone that works at the store takes pride in keeping it looking sharp, and it is a wonderful place to work and shop because it is a positive and uplifting environment.”
His co-manager, Heidi Heiman, has been a volunteer at All Saints Thrift Store for more than 10 years. She emphasizes that the store is more than just a place to shop – it has become a place that connects people. Many patrons visit weekly to browse the new items and visit with the volunteers. “Many of our patrons share parts of their life stories with us and become like family,” she says. She gets so much joy in both her work and the relationships she builds with those who frequent the store.
Volunteer Betty Harrison-Smith recounts a heart-touching story about how the store helped her in a time of devastation. Betty and her husband, Rick, lost everything in the Carr Fire. They both had been volunteering at the thrift store for years when the fire raged through the area. “The generous gift from the thrift store is the reason we had winter clothing and many of the basics to live. It filled the gaps of what we lost,” she says. “The store is more than just a thrift store. It is a supportive family that truly focuses on the community.”
Harrison-Smith shared that the store is helping people affected by the Park Fire now. Working at the store for more than 15 years, she has had many memories of helping others. She recounts a story of an unhoused woman and her toddler who came in. The little girl was given a toy and the child clung to that toy the whole time they were in the store. “It really impacts me to help the homeless people that come into the store for clothing. They are so thankful for anything we are able to provide,” Harrison-Smith says.
While the thrift store itself is a treasure, it’s the volunteers who are the true gems. One volunteer mentioned repeatedly was Helen Bonnett, lovingly referred to as the “Queen of the Thrift Store.” Bonnett works tirelessly behind the scenes, managing donations and preparing items for sale. “She keeps everything going,” Wilson says. He adds that the list of dedicated volunteers is long, with so many incredible people giving their time and hearts to the store’s mission.
For those in search of a special find while also making a difference in the community, All Saints Thrift Shop is the perfect destination. Stop by, say hello to the volunteers and see what treasures await. •
All Saints Thrift Shop
3268 Bechelli Lane, Redding • (530) 223-2523
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 10 am to 4 pm;
Friday, 10 am to 1 pm
Article by: Stacie Moore, with more than 20 years in education, holds roles from teacher to superintendent in the North State. She’s also a Realtor at Better Choice Real Estate, adding a personal touch to home transactions. Rooted in Redding, she cherishes family and is most proud of her two amazing, successful children.
