New Years Resolution's

Does anybody set New Years Resolution's?
I rarely ever do but this year I have made just one.
To become more tolerate of the ignorate people of this world.You may take this anyway you wish. But to me it just means I'm going to have more patience and tolerance for those that don't have a clue about what's going on in the world around them.
Happy New Year
Mary

Monday is last day to donate for 2007

This Monday Dec 31st is the last chance to donate for 2007.
Read previous post to get the rules.
- One thing that wasn't mentioned earlier. Don't leave things when we are not there. They will get damaged by the elements. And if we don't see you leave then we can't give you a receipt. So if you drop everything before 11 and then come back. You will not get a receipt. We have to see you and your donations in order to give you a receipt.
Hours for Monday are different than the normal Monday. WE WILL BE TAKING DONATIONS FROM11 AM TO 5PM ONLY!!!
We shut donations down at 5 to allow staff to clean up the back and process the incoming donations before leaving for the night. Please, please don't show up at 5:10 and ask us to bend the rules. Once we take yours we'll have 6 more cars pull up and want us to take donations and we have to stop somewhere. thanks you for understanding.
Mary

2 more donating days left for 2007

Folks,
Don't wait until the last minute.
Here are your last 2 days to donate to get that tax receipt for 2007.
Today Saturday Dec 29 from 11 to 3
Monday Dec 31st 11 to 5
I can't stress enough to get here before our shut off time. If you come a minute after the shut off time, YOU ARE TOO LATE. I'm sorry but we have to stop some time.

I also reserve the right to shut donations down early if I get too overwhelmed. This only happens when I run out of places to store things until I can process them.
A few last minute rules.
- take a receipt - even if you think you don't need it. If you come back to me next year and say you forgot- I'm sorry for you. but the 2 areas I do not mess with are the courts and the IRS. I DO NOT BACK DATE RECEIPTS.
-you need to fill in name, address and date and leave me the yellow copy inorder to be valid.
- Please don't come before 11. Staff gets in early in the morning to process the day's before donations and get ready for that day. Please plan your day accordingly.
-I am not taking any furniture at this time. I simply do not have room. If you don't beleive me walk into the middle of the store and look at the mountain of bedspreads we have. I few other things we get dumped on us that are not sellable are toys,monitors,baby equipment and exercise equipment. There is a whole list on our website of what we take and don't take.
Thanks for adhering to our guidelines.
See you soon.
Mary

January White Sale - only in Dec. You gotta look at this.

Folks,
I just rec'd a huge shipment of linens from a local hotel. (The hotel did renovations and changed all their colors)
I have literally hundreds of bedspreads, sheets, pilowcases.All in good used condition.
Bedspreads $2 each
Blankets $3 each - these were going fast yesterday.These are the nice velour blankets
Flat and fitted sheets - each sheet is only .50
Pillow cases are .25 each.
These are priced really cheap. So you are going to pay the same price whether you buy 2 or 200.
As soon as I can find my camera, I'll post a pix of the mountain of bedspreads we have sitting on sales floor. That doesn't include the ones sitting in storage.
Think outside the box. Other uses for these items include dropclothes, furniture coverings, animal box liners. There are endless uses for these and this price. Get them now before they are all gone.
Mary
FYI - We sent tons to the area shelters, emergency folks and churchs. this is what's left.

I'm looking for?

4-6 good condition high chairs and booster seats, the kind you sit at the table with.
Our neighbor in Ashburn, The Fire department holds a breakfast each month to raise money and they need these for the families coming in to eat.
If you have any please bring to thrift store. I know they will appreciate it.
thanks
Mary

Make sure you tell staff these are for the fire Department in Ashburn or they won't accept.

4 shopping days left till Christmas

Do you have a lady on your list. Here's 2 items just donated that will spark anyone who loves whimiscial jewelry.

The 1st piece of the wizard is from Kirk's Folly. The 2nd pin with the 4 bees is marked Joan Rivers. Both of these designers sell alot on QVC.

Both pins are marked $25.00.

They will be at the thrift store after 1 oclock today (Friday dec 21st)

Mary

Remember the homeless that have died.

Today is Dec 21st, the 1st day of winter, also the longest day of the year. It's also the day we set aside to remember all those who have died that are homeless.
Keep a prayer in your heart for these folks.
Mary

5 shopping days till Christmas

We still have a nice selection of jewelry for your gift giving needs.
Stop and check out the items we rec'd from "a greater gift" these are Fair Trade items.
Mary

Who is The Good Shepherd Alliance?

Read the following blog written by GSA's Vice Chairman of the Board.
http://www.loudountimes.com/blogs/community-faith/2007-12-16/GSA-HOMELESS-LOVE/
Mark Gunderman along with the entire board of directors for GSA never see a cent of GSA money. This working board is entirely volunteer. They guide us along the path each of us has been led to follow.
Where is your heart leading you this Season?
Mary
FYI- Even with all the uproar in the past several months, I still would not trade my job for anyone else's. My heart leads me but my brain tells me when to shut up.

Friday is National Homeless Memorial Day.

Why Friday because the date is Dec 21st , the 1st day of winter and the longest night of the year.
Check out http://www.nationalhomeless.org/getinvolved/projects/memorial/index.html
to find what is happening in your area to recognize the lives lost of those living on the street.
Ask your local county for a list of those names. If they can't provide, ask why.

Take time to say a prayer this Christmas season for all those who are living on the streets. There are more people than you think, living in cars,parks, etc. THEY ARE IN EVERY COMMUNITY ACROSS THE UNITED STATES. Don't be fooled into thinking your community is exempt. Just because you can't see them, doesn't mean they aren't there. And ask yourself. WWJD .
Mary

Donate your cell phone

Hey did you know you can donate your old cell phone's to us? We don't sell them we have a barrel in our store from a local all volunteer org. called Secure the Call that picks them up. Reprograms them for 911 use and then in turn gives them back to folks that need them like, victim witness, LAWS,dept of aging, etc. check them out. I use them because I saw the same barrel in the Loudoun County Sheriff's office in Leesburg. It's still a donation and you can still get a reciept. What they can't use or reprogram them dispose of properly.
Check them out at http://www.securethecall.org/.
Mary
Their website has a FAQ page. It will answer all your questions. Main thing is, if you no longer are using the phone, switch the service to you new phone or have it discontinued.

Christmas is one week away

There is a very special sale in store today. It's a secret. You'll have to come in and find out. You won't want to miss.
Mary

Donations

Reminder there are only 11 donating days left in 2007. See previous post for hours
Here's an update on things we don't take
- baby things - cribs,scrollers,car seats, etc
-computer monitors unless they are flat panel
-TV's larger than 19" and over 5 years old.
-toys unless brand new still in package

these are in addition to the items we have already listed on the thrift store website donation page. http://www.loudounhomeless.org/whatwetake/

Have a happy shopping day.
Take time to ARK
Mary

10 Shopping days left till Christmas

Folks,
There are 10 shopping days left till Christmas.
Is your christmas shopping done?
Here's some suggestions to make it easier.
- Stop the Thrift Store - pick out a gift from our selection of "a greater gift items" these are items purchase from Serrv and all support the Fair Trade Organization. I have bags of gilt for 4.75 that might seem like a lot but it's you can feel good knowing you have not supported slave labor of any kind. There are a number of jewelry items left. After today I don't expect much to be left. So hurry in early.
- another suggestion is the alternative gift fair at St Gabriels http://www.saintgabriels.net/AGF-2007/index.htm. You can make a donation as a gift on someones behalf.
-it's a little late to order online but if you do make sure you use goodsearch.com as your entry into the shop. Specify Good Shepherd and we get a contribution from the company when you order. They also have a search engine and every time you search we get a penny. Think about how many times you search a day.
Have a good shopping day and remember ARK , Be kind to the retail store clerks.
Mary

It's Freaky Friday

Sale of the day for all you folks that read my blog is 50% Christmas. Sale does not apply to the "greater gift" items. Remember you must bring copy of the this post into the store.
Have fun shopping. Over the last week I've put 10 totes full of items (mainly christmas) out on the floor.
Mary

PS. Dont forget to check out "the greater gift" items they are selling fast. These are good quality products made my individuals that are paid a fair wage and a fair amount for their goods. (They are what I call "feel good items". You're helping individuals oversees who are living in poverty and at the same time you are helping those in need in this county. It's a win-win buy.

a greater gift / SERRV items have arrived

The sun is made from a recylced oil drum lid. Price is $55.00

Folks, I now have products from " a greater gift" which is from SERRV International. I am so excited to get these items. They are nice quality items and best thing of all they are "feel good items".

check the website at http://www.agreatergift.org/ for more information.

I couldn't be more thrilled at extending our mission goals of helping those in need to other countries. "a greater gift" is a member of the Fair Trade Federation. Which simply means they pay a fair price for the individuals items. They actually pay 50% upfront so local people don't have to loans or go in debt to make the products. AGG also pays to have the items shipped to the states.

Now I don't have to feel guilty about the chocolate I so love. The Divine Chocolate that we are carrying is sinfully good.

Stop by and see the selection.

Mary

FYI- because these are brand new items and we have purchased them , there are no discounts, what so ever on these items.

END OF THE YEAR DONATION HOURS

I WANT TO MAKE THIS AS CLEAR AS POSSIBLE. THE END OF THE YEAR IS COMING. AND WITH THAT COMES THE LAST BIG PUSH TO GET THOSE LAST MINUTE DONATIONS IN TO US TO GET YOUR TAX RECEIPT.

HERE'S A FEW SIMPLE RULES:

1. EVEN IF YOU DON'T THINK YOU'LL NEED A RECEIPT - GET ONE. WE DO NOT BACK DATE RECEIPTS FOR ANY REASON.
2. WE HAVE HOURS POSTED. WE ISSUE RECEIPTS ONLY DURING THOSE HOURS. IF YOU DROP STUFF BEFORE OR AFTER HOURS, WE HAVE NO WAY OF KNOWING THAT YOU WERE HERE. STUFF LEFT BEFORE AND AFTER HOURS WILL GET DAMAGED BY THE ELEMENTS OR STOLEN.
3.IF WE DON'T ACCEPT THE ITEM YOU ARE DROPPING OFF (E.G.TOYS) YOU CANNOT CLAIM THEM ON YOUR TAXES.
4. PLEASE CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR ITEMS WE DO AND DO NOT CARRY. BEFORE UNLOADING ANY FURNITURE ASK AN ASSOCIATE IF WE ARE ACCEPTING FURNITURE.

Donation hours are as follows.
Mon- Thurs 11am to 6:30 pm
Frid-Sat 11am to 3pm
Please don't come at 4pm on Sat and ask us to take. We set these hours for a reason. We still have to process everything that comes in and clean the back area up.
HERE'S THE EXCEPTION TO THE DONATION HOURS. ON DEC 24TH WE WILL BE OPEN FOR DONATIONS FROM 11AM TO 3PM.
WE WILL BE CLOSED ON DEC 25TH -DO NOT LEAVE DONATIONS
DEC 31ST WE WILL BE OPEN UNTIL 5PM FOR DONATIONS. WE WILL BE SHUTTING THE STORE DOWN AT 7PM.
WE WILL BE CLOSED ON JAN 1 2008
THANK YOU FOR THINKING OF US
MARY

Sale of the Day for Tuesday Dec 11th

Remember you must print this part of the blog and bring in to receive the discount.

Today's sale is on Coats - All are 1/2 off they are marked. This discount includes leather suede and fur. But you must hav copy of the blog in order to get discount.

Mary

Do you know what ARK stands for.

ARK - Acts of Random Kindness

Mary

Monday's Sale of the day

Sale for today Monday Dec 10th 2007

today's sale is on lighting fixtures, ,lamps and lamp shades.
Here's the pricing:
Lamp shades are $2 each.
The rest of my lamps are 1/2 price marked.

You must print out this section of the blog in order to get this price.
Mary
this sale price expires at close of business today.

Time's Running out to purchase raffle tickets

For the Redskins game on DEC 31st 2007 - Redskins vs the Cowboys.
Our Board Member James Thrash has donated 2 tickets to this game. They are lower level tickets and there are 2 tickets.
$10 buys you a chance on the pair.
Thrift Store has tickets for sale. Hurry drawing is being done on DEC 15th.
Mary

GSA Office Open House

Ever want to see what GSA is all about?
Ever want to find out more about GSA volunteer opportunities at our shelters?
Ever want to find out what exactly a DROP-IN Center does?
Ever want to see how our administrative office works?

All these question ,can be answered next week, when GSA opens it's doors for a Holiday Open House. Friday Dec 14th from 2pm-5pm. Come visit GSA at it's Sycolin Road address and see what all the excitement is all about.

Now is the time to get all your question's answered. Stop wondering and stop by, talk with all the employees and feel their passion.

For more information about Open House or GSA you can always call the TS but why not call the office directly 703-433-2631

Mary

Sale of the Day

The only place this sale is advertised is here on my blog.
I am selling my handbags,purse and wallets for $2 each -EXCEPT FOR THOSE BEHIND MY CHECKOUT COUNTER.
You must mention this blog since this sale is not advertised in the store.
Check back every day to see what sale item is for the day.
Mary
this sale was valid only on Saturday Dec 8 2007

See what I just listed on Craig's List.

These beautiful Wedgwood Trays are in FANTASTIC shape. I've set the price at $50 for the pair.
Remember first come first served.
Mary

Holiday Open House Today

Don't forget today is our Holiday Open House. We're serving refreshments. There will be special sales during those 3 hours only.
Stop by and say HI.
Mary

Look what we got in Yesterday.

I have a ton of restaurant quality dinnerware just come in from one of the big chain restaurants in the area. After I spread the wealth among the area shelters and churches. This is what I have left. . We have:
- the really big dinner plates - these all have a very colorful fish theme around the rim
-bread and butter plates - 4 different solid colors - orange,blue,green, yellow
-big pasta bowls
-a ton of small and regular size oval casseroles
-wire bread baskets
-sugar holders
-huge oval platters
-small soup cups
There are some pieces that have not been used at all and still sitting in boxes.
If you own a restaurant- now's the time to come shopping. the most expensive piece is the platter at $2. Most everything else is .99 each
The theme of these revolves around fish and the colors used are orange, blue, green, yellow.
Come soon they won't last long.
Mary

SNOW

Well it's finally happened. The first real snow of the season. Of course comes with this are all the accidents that happen. Folks it's simple.
Slow down and pay attention.
I spent 10 years driving around Syracuse, NY where there average anowfall is 200 inches. And that's just from Oct thru April.
The one thing I learned is to slow way down.
Mary

MAry's off today - Who knows what sales you will find

Hey all,

I'm off today but I've been working at home. I've just listed these Leap Frog products on Craig's List. thought you might want to take a looksy.

They will now be available until I get into the store tommorrow.

These will be available in our Thrift Store starting on Tuesday Dec 4th 2007 at 11am.

Cost for each book and cartridge is $5

My First LeapPad- Leap to the moon –doesn’t require cartridge

All these below have book and cartridge

Leap Frog Little Touch

One Bear in the Bedroom

Stella Songbird

Mr Brown Can Moo Can You?

Little Engine that Could- Activity Cards

Leap Frog – Smart Guide to Kindergarten

Leap Start

Leap Start – Pre Reading – The Birthday Surprise

Leap Start – PreReading – The Lion King – New in package

Leap Start – Pre Math – tad Gose Shopping

Leap Pad Microphone Enhanced k-1st Grade – Hop on Pop

Leap 1

Leap 1 Math Counting on Leap

Leap 1 Reading Finding Nemo

Leap 1 Reading ZonderKids amazing Bible Stories

Leap 1 reading Scoody Doo and the disappearing Donuts x2

Leap 2

Leap 2 Science I know where my Food Goes

Leap 2 Reading Scooby doo and the zoombie’s Treasure

Leap 2 Music Hit it Maestro

Leap 3 Geography The Seven Continents

LeapPad Plus Writing 1st grade Brainy Briny Math Games- spongebob – no pencil

Leap’sPond Activity and Game Book. X 2

Quantum Pad Above & Beyond Series – Making Movies

Quantum Pad Above & Beyond Series Magic School Bus Lost in the Solar System

REMEMBER you must already own a LeapFrog machine to use these books. There are no returns.

Store hours are 11-7 Mon-Sat 20921 Davenport Drive Sterling Suite 113 Sterling VA 20165 703-444-5956.

You must come to Thrift Store to purchase. Cash Required. Tax of 5% is added to final price.

Pix shows all the books we have for sale in one bucket.there are 24 Sorry I didn't have time to do each individually.

Great christmas Gift for Teachers,Bus drivers ....

Shown are Lucinda House Pins. They sell for $10 each and make great gifts. This is all I have left. The women who started this company was herself homeless. she was living in a shelter and wanted to give something back to those who had helped her so she started making pins to sell. It's now a very successful company. She only sells to nonprofits who use the pins to raise cash. We got these from one of the local service clubs. And this is what I have left. The are ONE OF A KIND. there are no 2 pins alike , they are all handmade.

The colors are richk and vibrant. stop in today and pick up yours before they are all gone.

Mary

Holiday Open House

Holiday Open House is coming Dec 7th from 3-6 at the Thrift Store. It's a perfect time for everyone to stop by and see what we're all about.There will be refreshments served.

To the right is the display in our window with some of the Christmas we have for sale. I'll be binging a ton more from Storage in the next week. By next Friday I will be loaded with Christmas.

Handmade Crosses

These were handmade in Florida by one of my Dad's fellow flea market buddies. He gave them to my Dad and Dad brought them to me. I had them stained and here you go. They would make the perfect Christmas gift. They are truely a work of art. Imagne how much time went into making each cross. It was a labor of love.

Mary

Meet Thomas

This cute little pup's name is Thomas. I got him in on a donation, we is a blast. He does a really good job of annoying the heck out of staff. He's voice activated. Right now he's up high while I'm not in the store. I lost him once and have just recently found him where staff hid him in a box.
In case you didn't guess, he's not real just don't tell him that.
Mary

Jewelry, Jewelry and more Jewelry

The Nolan Miller Necklace set shown above with the 3 hearts, sold today (11/29/07)

Hey all
If you love jewelry, now is the time to come shopping at GSA. I've just priced and put out all new jewelry. All the old stuff got bagged up and is selling in bulk lots. There are tons of jewelry items to pick from. I have a mess of jewelry findings that you can make earrings out of. These are bagged in lots and are currently selling for $10 each. I had a blast pricing this stuff and putting it out.
Stop and see us. BTW if you have jewelry you aren't wearing anymore bag it up and bring it on in. These kind of items don't take up alot of space but they do sell very well.
See you soon

The heart necklaces in the thrid pix down are from Nolan Miller and are priced at $25 for the set.
Mary

Christmas Cards

Picture shows the fixture that holds some of the christmas Cards we have for sale. We have a huge variety.

WHEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Black Friday is over.

Thanks to all that came out and supported GSA. We did a tremendous volume in sales. Which every penny counts these days.
If you missed it, you missed a 50% off sale that lasted 2 days. We go back to regular pricing on Monday.
Speaking of Monday if your a jewelry buyer, I've got a ton of jewelry that I'm pricing over the weekend. Nice quality stuff just in time for your holiday gift giving needs.
Speaking of holiday's did you know we get a bunch of brand new items every week. These are perfect for gift giving. If they are brand new in the box you can look for them behind the counter.
If you a jewelry maker I have about 14 bags filled with earring parts. Labeled "Made in India. I think they might be silver but I can't tell. I know they tarnish when they are left out of their bags.
Thanks again for supporting us and finding a bargin along the way.
Mary

BLACK FRIDAY SALE

HELLO
For those that aren't out already, here's a reason to get out or bed. For 2 hours this morning evertything in the store except jewelry and coats is 75% off. that sale is from 9-11 only.
Mary

Thanksgiving

How many of you knew that last week(Nov 11-17) was National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week.
Why is this week so important?
According to National Alliance to End Homelessness(NAEH) more than 650,000 people EVERY NIGHT have no place to live. Did you know that only half of those are adults, that means the other half are CHILDREN. Imagine 325,000 kids across the US are living on the street.
WHY?
According to the NAEH, the number one cause of homelessness is lack of affordable housing.
I work everyday to try and help those in need. This thrift store gives away thousands of dollars a year in free clothing,household and furniture to those in need. We do not get reimbursed by anyone. We do it as part of our mission.
This holiday season look into your hearts and find away to help those who have less. You don't have to give away millions (although that would be nice) to make a difference. Every dollar counts.
Here's wishing each of you has a wonderful and happy holiday season.
Mary

Thanksgiving hours

Hey all,
I just wanted to give our thanksgiving Hours

Wed Nov 22nd Store will be open until 5pm with donation hours shutting off a 3pm
Closed on Nov 23rd - Thursday - thanksgiving day
On Friday Nov 24th we open at 9am and will be open until 7pm - Donations are from 11-3
Saturday's hours go back to normal 11-7 with donations from 11-3

Call the store if I've confused you.
MAry

Christmas stock is coming in.

Hey folks,
I just price and put a couple dozen really nice fancy christmas stockings. I have the regular size and the small size that can be used for employee stockings or angel stockings. thanks to one of my staff members I have a ton of bagged christmas cards. check with us 1st before you buy christmas cards. I have plenty. And they are nice quality and very nicely priced.
I unloaded some of my christmas storage and put out some really nice christmas decorations.
I do have an urgent need for coats.So clean your closets of winter things and bring'm on in.
Tommorrow being Saturday means a huge amount of donations incoming. Remember Saturday donation hours are from 11-3.

Here's a partial list of some of the things I priced and put out. This should tell you the kinds of things we get in.
-priced 3 DEPT 56 Dickens Village Houses
-Lenox 2 pc christmas candleholder
-beautiful Cherry colored Lowboy
-large stockings
-baby size stockings
-foil christmas tree pans
-several pfzaltgrah canisters - beige with blue print

Tommorrow I should be pricing and putting stuff out all day. There's a lot of stuff ready to be moved on out to the sales floor.
Mary

Christmas is coming

I know all you folks have been waiting on our christmas items to come out. We started bringing items from storage to the thrift store. So hopefully in the next week we will have a large assortment of Christmas items to choose from. Because space is limited in the new store we chose to put our holiday items in storage until the appropriate season was upon us. Christmas displays are going up and soon you will be able to decorate your whole house with Christmas. Stop by as new things are added daily.
I'll add some pix as soon as we get a good display going.
And thanks for being patient with us. The store is a bit of a wreck since the auction last week. Which by the way was very successful. Thanks to all that attended.
We are working hard every day to put the store back in proper shape. If you have spare time. Come spend some time with us. We welcome all who want to give of their time.
Hey, if I don't get a chance have a good weekend. bundle it's going to get cold - Did I mention we have coats?
Remember this Sat in DC is the annual Fannie Mae Walk for the Homeless.
Mary - GSA Thrift Store Manager

Welcome to the Thrift Store Main page.

Hello,
Welcome to the Thrift store main page. This page is all about stuff we have in the Thrift store in Sterling. If you've never been to the Good Shepherd Thrift store then you want to make a point to stop. There is 5800 sq ft of items to choose from.
We get donations daily and with a one day turn around on most things coming in your sure to find new ttreasures daily.
Right now the store is featuring school supplies. We still have a lot of supplies for you to buy for your kids going back to school.
This blog will be updated as I get time.
But for now stop in and check us out.
Mary Fittro
GSA Thrift store Manager

Welcome to the Thrift Store News

This spot under construction