The Plum Coulee Thrift Shoppe recently held its annual general meeting, highlighting a year of unprecedented success, community engagement, and resilience in the face of challenges.
Board president Ken Reimer proudly announced that 2024 marked the store’s most successful year to date, with sales reaching $84,216—an increase of approximately $4,500 from the previous year. This financial success enabled the shop to amplify its charitable contributions.
“We gave $65,000 to different organizations this year, and the year before that, it was $62,000,” Reimer noted. “We have a wide variety of charities we support. All of them are either humanitarian or Christian, or both. There’s a growing need everywhere.”
Despite the financial achievements, the store faced significant operational expenses due to unforeseen maintenance issues. Reimer detailed the challenges, explaining that damage to the building’s roof required repairs, including replacing panels and parts of the trusses. One of the hot water tanks also needed to be replaced.
“Within one week, we replaced the hot water tank and a pump, so that added up to $2,000 very quickly,” he said.
Volunteers remain the heart of the Plum Coulee Thrift Shoppe. Currently, around 30 people give their time to keep the store running. Reimer spoke about the importance of encouraging younger generations to get involved.
“We have a few younger ones that come in on a regular basis, some high school-age homeschoolers, and some who simply ask one of our board members, ‘Can we volunteer here?’ If young people are feeling a lack of purpose, I tell them, ‘Take something, do it well, and carry on.’”
He added that he believes the next generation will take up the torch, but it is up to the current volunteers to encourage them.
“Us baby boomers, we need to encourage them,” he said.
The store’s impact extends far beyond Plum Coulee. A significant portion of donated clothing is given to Faith Mission, which sends it to Ukraine.
Guest speaker and Faith Mission executive director Nathan Elias shared a slideshow from his recent trip, where he witnessed firsthand the desperate need in that region.
“It’s heartbreaking when you see the devastation to their communities firsthand. So many who are left with nothing. They use all the clothes we give them,” Elias said, emphasizing the vital role the Plum Coulee Thrift Shoppe plays in global relief efforts.
The meeting was not solely focused on financials and operation—those in attendance also enjoyed a musical performance by local musician Selena Pauls, who played several pieces on her cello, adding a special touch to the evening.
Looking ahead, the board has several plans to improve the store. They are hoping to extend the roof toward the back of the building to protect incoming donations from rain. Reimer put out a call to the community, asking if anyone might be able to help with materials or labor for this project.
Another priority is upgrading shelving inside the store. Wider shelves would allow for more efficient organization of donated goods, and Reimer encouraged community members to reach out if they had ideas or could help.
With the arrival of warmer months, the board is also looking for volunteers to assist with lawn mowing and watering flowers around the building.
As the meeting wrapped up, Reimer expressed deep gratitude for everyone who plays a role in the thrift shoppe’s ongoing success.
“Without volunteers, we wouldn’t be in existence. Thank you to all of you. We accept ideas. That’s how we work. It cannot work with just one or a few people alone.”
