Trudy Eastman rings up purchases behind the counter of the Southeast Seattle Senior Center Thrift Shop. Her sister Becky places vintage hats into a box for an excited customer. The hat appears to be a bargain, as the customer explains that $5 is cheaper than renting one.
The old clock next to Trudy reads 3:15 p.m., 15 minutes past closing time. The Eastmans do not seem to notice as they keep talking to their patrons, smiling with appreciation. "Thank you for stopping by," Trudy says, as she starts counting the day's profit.
A NEEDED REVAMP
As board members of the Southeast Seattle Senior Center, the Eastman sisters have volunteered much of their time in renovating and running the shop in hopes of raising much-needed funds for the center. Income from United Way of King County dropped this year, and the Southeast, Central, and Vashon senior centers have all been forced to increase their fund-raising.
The Southeast Seattle Senior Center alone had its budget cut by $47,000 when United Way backed out.
"This is the first major cut," said Trudy.
The loss has increased the importance of the thrift shop's income for the center.
The thrift shop charmingly reflects the aged house it was converted from 20 years ago. Antique items are displayed in ways that complement the home's original style.
The vintage kitchen has drawers filled with kitchen tools for sale. A small bedroom holds displays of children's clothing. Modern and antique glassware is encased in the living room, with dolls and artwork lining shelves on the walls.
"We want to keep it like what I believe a thrift store should really be. We would like it to look nice and inviting," said Trudy.
The shop not only benefits the senior center, but its surrounding community as well. Located at Rainer Avenue South and South Holly Street, it serves neighboring seniors and low-income residents with affordable items and old-fashioned appeal. In addition to the low-priced items, the shop offers a monthly special in which a customer can fill up a bag with clothing for $4.
In March, the shop made more than $1,400 in profit, which is a record for the last two years. Since the thrift store is run completely by unpaid staff, all of the money raised goes directly to the senior center's general budget.
In the past, the center's fund-raising relied on events such as casino night. However, such events failed to provide adequate funds. Meanwhile, the thrift store was lagging in volunteer help. The Eastman sisters decided that a heavier focus on improving the thrift shop could provide more revenue.
"Trudy and Becky decided that they wanted to make it their mission, from the board's perspective, to take on the thrift shop and recruit some volunteers," said Gisela Baxter, senior center board member.
Changing perceptions
The Eastmans are still at the shop an hour past closing as they talk about their day. They laugh about daily visits from interesting customers. Two elderly sisters, for example, come in and have conversations about their deceased husbands and their years of devotion to the shop. They spend a lot of money and time, but refuse to pay the sales taxes.
"We have customers that come in here and offer to pay their taxes for them, because you know, we're the big ogres. It's kind of like feeding the squirrels. And we kind of want to tell them, 'Don't do it! Don't feed the squirrels!'" said Trudy with a laugh.
Although the thrift shop attracts a diverse crowd, many people are put off by the area's reputation for crime. "It's really too bad. It's definitely a misconception because I've lived downtown where it is far more dangerous," said Trudy.
In fact, the crime rate has gone significantly down since the property surrounding the Southeast Seattle Senior Center has been under ownership of the senior community, according to Gisela Baxter. Additionally, police officers have used the center as a place to observe the streets for crime.
According to Baxter, the Seattle Police Department has noted that the number and types of calls changed dramatically within the first six months of senior property ownership. The Brighton, a senior apartment complex behind the thrift shop, currently houses tenants who have the time to watch the streets and report any suspicious activity.
"The senior community served as a neighborhood watch. It didn't stop (crime) entirely, but even after the first year of the center and thrift shop's existence, there began a progression to cleaner and safer streets," said Roberta James, former director of the Southeast Seattle Senior Center board.
The sound of children's laughter outside of the shop indicates the arrival of an ice cream truck. Becky looks out the window to observe, and excitedly recalls a joint event recently thrown by the neighboring thrift stores. The Spring Parade of Fashions and Fun was held at the senior center, showcasing senior models wearing clothing from the center's thrift shop along with Ginger's Kloset and Two Big Blondes Consignment.
Attendees wore vintage hats for prizes in the "best bonnet" contest, enjoyed a buffet lunch, and watched live entertainment. The event sold out.
"They just looked darling. There were two decadent African-American gentlemen who walked the models out. I could hardly believe how nice they looked, how nice all of their clothes were. We've never done that before, and I'm sure we'll do it again," said Becky.
The sisters' commitment to the thrift shop is apparent. Even after the items are neatly displayed, dusted and organized, they continue to take their time after closing: Helping out is simply what they do.
"Sometimes, as people age, if they have been a volunteer throughout their lives, they reach a point where they feel they've been there, done it and don't want to do anymore," said Bonnie Bosworth, a senior center member. "When you get two people who are still enthusiastic about life and think they can make a difference, we need to celebrate their willingness to say, 'we'll do it!'"
Jennifer Villaruz may be reached through editor@sdistrictjournal.com.
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