By Lorrie Ross
Staff Writer
Christmas is only one month away. Yet prices of almost everything are on the rise, which stretches gift-giving dollars for most people more than ever. Fortunately, some local stores offer a variety of new to gently used gift options and the purchases support local charities.
In addition to saving money, shopping at thrift stores can be very fashionable. A-list celebrities like Julia Roberts, Renee Zellweger and Kate Moss have made it fashionable to wear vintage clothing and frequently shop at thrift stores and other secondhand stores. Another plus to thrift shopping is it also helps sustain the environment by reusing and recycling rather than throwing things away.
The selections vary daily, but a persistent shopper can find great gifts at thrift stores. Whether you need dishes, toys, books or an ugly Christmas sweater, Clay County has three thrift stores within a few minutes of each other. Several more may be found in Towns and Union County, as well as Cherokee County.
Starting at the intersection of Highway 69 and Highway 64, go west on Highway 64 towards Murphy. On the right side of the highway, at 200 Highway 64 West, Hayesville, Granny’s Attic is tucked behind the red Mountain Streams Real Estate building and beside Subway. This little thrift store is the oldest one in the county since it has been in operation for almost four decades as a result of Grandma Marie Hansbauer’s efforts.
Sister Hansbauer used her own attic to collect and store items which she would provide to those in need. Granny’s Attic has changed locations a few times since it originally opened in 1985.The store is run completely by volunteers and 100 percent of the proceeds go to area non-profit programs. Open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Granny’s Attic has clothing, books, toys, collectibles, jewelry and household items except for large furniture.
The volunteers who operate the store will tell you to come often because they put new stuff out all of the time. Donations have been so prolific, they added a semi-trailer to the backside of the building a few years ago to hold more. The store only takes cash or local checks.
Just a little further west, the REACH Thrift Store is also on the right side of the highway while driving towards Murphy. This store supports the REACH domestic abuse shelter in Hayesville. Open from 930am until 430, Monday through Saturday, the store contains many of the same types of items as Granny’s Attic except they have furniture and other large items.
Along with sets of dishes, bedding, and Christmas décor, REACH Thrift Store has clothing and shoes for the entire family. Fine collectibles and jewelry are carefully displayed and many of the pictures are hung on the wall for easier viewing. They also have a book area where books have been carefully divided by genre. A small table and chairs are ready for children to enjoy a few books while their grown-ups shop. This thrift store does take credit cards and frequently has special sales.
In downtown Hayesville, Friends of the Library operates a quaint bookstore in the same building as Moss Memorial Library at 26 Anderson Street in Hayesville. All proceeds from this non-profit benefit the financial needs of Moss Memorial Library for things like new books to community enrichment programs.
Grab some classic tomes, or a handful of paperbacks just for fun. The Friends of the Library store has cards, puzzles and artwork donated from around the community, but many other treasures may be found inside. Operated entirely by volunteers, the bookstore is open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Whether you are a Santa’s helper, a penny-wise grandparent or a fashion-conscious teen, you may find just what you are looking for in the local thrift stores. They often have gift certificates so the recipient may choose his or her own present.
If you do at least some of your holiday shopping in thrift stores, it could be that the jingling you hear will not be jingle bells at all, but the change in your pockets from money you saved. Helping a worthwhile cause while saving money and helping the environment.