Sue Farmer , of Twice as Nice Thrift Store in Somerset arranges purses that have been donated to the store . The proceeds from the store are allocated to different Christian ministries throughout Kentucky .
Story photos by Gina Story
Farmer said her store accepts items that are in good and clean condition . These items include clothing , toys , household items , furniture , tools and miscellaneous items . Twice as Nice Thrift Store also has accepted donations of boats and jet skis .
“ We even have kitchen sinks sometimes come through here ,” Farmer said .
Farmer says that because her store is a charity that donates back to community churches and other ministries people prefer to donate their items to her ministry instead of for-profit secondhand stores .
Farmer said there is never a bad time to donate goods that aren ’ t being used . She has overflow storage where items that can ’ t be put out in the thrift store because of space restrictions can be stored until they are needed . She uses some of these overflow items to donate to ministries that serve Kentucky residents who might be facing hard times because of natural disasters like the floods and tornados that impacted Kentucky in recent years .
Farmer also stores Christmas items that are donated year-round , something she says her customers have grown to
anticipate .
“ Our shoppers know that as soon as Halloween is over we start flooding the store with Christmas things ,” she said .
Farmer said that there ’ s no need to sort donations into categories before bringing them to the store . Her staff sorts everything and is trained to look for glass items that might be wrapped in clothing to keep them from breaking on route to the donation destination .
With inflation on the rise , Farmer says that people who aren ’ t donating can benefit from other ’ s spring cleaning by saving money on clothes and household goods by shopping in thrift stores .
“ It frees up money for them to spend in other areas ,” she said . “ Why spend $ 50 on a pair of jeans when you can get them for $ 4.99 .”
Farmer has one more tip about spring cleaning that she thinks folks should focus on .
“ Don ’ t make spring cleaning a 9 to 5 job ,” she said . “ Take breaks and enjoy the spring season .”
Twice as Nice Thrift Store accepts donations of good , clean items , such as clothing , furniture and household goods . Furniture , household goods and children ’ s clothes are popular items in the store .
Twice as Nice Thrift Store is located at 345 N . U . S . 27 in Somerset between Big Lots and Somerset Peddlers Mall . The hours for the store are 10 a . m . to 6 p . m . Monday through Saturday and donations are accepted during those times . There is also a donation drop off box in front of the store for small items . Drop off or pick up of large items for donation can be scheduled by calling the store at , 606-677-1117 .
18 • SEKY - Life in Southeast Kentucky March 2023