Photo by TERRI WATTS

DT&T board members from L-R: Joyce Loranger, Sherrie Modey, Donna Delange, Liz Appleman, Mark Doverspike and Tom Hebard.

Terri Watts Burns Times-Herald

On Friday, Aug. 2, 2024, I attended the soft opening of Dusty Threads & Thrift, a new business now open in Burns. I was personally impressed with everything about this new business, especially how a small group of volunteers from our community with a desire to help all people in obtaining things needed in order to have a safe and comfortable life were able to bring what was once a dream, to fruition. These individuals have volunteered countless hours of their time in order to be able to finally open up the doors of Dusty Threads & Thrift for business and they deserve kudos for everything they have accomplished so far, as well as for everything I am sure they will accomplish as they grow. Please join us at the Burns Times-Herald in welcoming Dusty Threads & Thrift to our community.

BTH: What type of business exactly is Dusty Threads and Thrift?

DT&T: A thrift store for people to bring most any items that are clean and gently used. Items will then be inspected and either placed for sale on our floor or moved into recycling options. As many items as possible will be offered to local clients, however if we get overloaded or unable to sell something items will be forwarded to another entity to use in their operation. We are involved in a recycling program for jeans that are 90 percent cotton but not usable as clothing.

BTH: In a recent letter to the editor (July 24, 2024 edition of the Burns Times-Herald) there is mention of the “Dream Team” … Can you tell us the names of everybody who is a part of the Dream Team and what role they each played in bringing the idea of Dusty Threads & Thrift to life as well as what role each member plays now with the opening of the store?

DT&T: Liz Appelman – Master Sorter Extraordinaire, Editor of all documents, Board President, Joyce Loranger – Logistical Organizer OCD, Board Secretary, Sherrie Modey – Head Cheerleader, Board Co-Treasurer, Mark Doverspike Wizard of Building and Creating everything Liz, Joyce, Sherrie, Kathy and Donna dream up, and Board Co-Treasurer, Kathy Wilcox – Geter Done Worker Bee, Board Member, Tom Hebard – Wizard of Building and Creating everything Liz, Joyce, Sherrie, Kathy and Donna dream up, and Board Member. Sonni Svejcar- Grant Writing Wizard, Board Member, Donna DeLange – Clothing Guru, Volunteer Extraordinaire. Working as a team building off each other’s strengths and understanding each other’s weaknesses. Each one has a different type of knowledge base and experience which complement the others and as a team they are formidable.

BTH: How long did it take the volunteers of your organization to get everything to come together in order to open the doors to this community?

DT&T: Five months, 1061 volunteer hours, a lot of brainstorming, knowing the community the way they do and trying to find a “fit” for the team the idea for this store was born. Thus also began a journey of paper work leading to a 501(C) 3 non-profit application which was approved on June 13, 2024.

BTH: The motto of Dusty Threads & Thrift is “By the community, for the community,”  please explain to our readers what this means and how it is a win/win for our community.

DT&T: The motto came about from wanting to give back to the community and in order to do that the community gives to the store. We all know how hard it is to stretch money these days, and our goal is to make it easier for our customers. Also, any money over and above operating costs will be given back to the community in various forms (social programs, monetary support, etc.) The store is run by volunteers to keep costs low. And being in cooperation with Crossroads Ranch has helped tremendously in getting our feet on the ground.

BTH: For anybody that wished to donate items to Dusty Threads & Thrift, what type of items what type of donations are being accepted?

DT&T: We accept clean, gently used, working items, but there are a few things such as hazardous materials, cars, large furniture, mattresses, outdated or food items that we are unable to accept. Any cash donations are also much appreciated.

BTH: What are the best times for people to drop off donations at Dusty Threads & Thrift?

DT&T: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Please do not leave donations if we are not open as we may not receive your donation.

BTH: Where is Dusty Threads & Thrift located?

DT&T: 53 East Industrial Avenue in Burns, just past Burns City Hall in the big red building to your left. Look for our signs Dusty Threads & Thrift along with Crossroads Ranch on the wooden granary building.

BTH: What days/times is Dusty Threads & Thrift open? Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

BTH: Is there anything else about Dusty Threads & Thrift you would like our readers to know?

DT&T: We will be opening to the public on Thursday August 8, 2024, as part of our Grand Opening everyone has a chance to enter to win a $25.00 gift certificate. We will have one lucky winner each day of our grand opening, Thursday, Friday and Saturday August 8, 9 and 10, 2024.

We would like to thank everyone who has generously donated to this new start up business we could not have done it without your support.