April 9, 2019
By Paragon News Director Paul Joseph –
Western Oklahoma is blessed with a number of thrift shops that benefit both the seller and the buyer.
Christi’s Thrift Shop in downtown Elk City is no exception, in fact, Christi’s benefits people in a number of ways both in town and around the world.
First off, the profits from Christi’s go directly to the Western Oklahoma Family Care Center and towards the various ministries the center provides including dental care, financial help combined with counseling, and a charitable pharmacy that dispenses low cost prescription medications among other services.
Store manager Mary Busby, who’s been with Christi’s Thrift Shop over three years, says the shop benefits donors, buyers and individuals in need all around the world. She says the store has recently partnered with a Texas charity called Charity Shoes and Clothing in Dallas.
According to a website, the mission of the Western Oklahoma Family Care Center, Inc. is to help struggling individuals and families in Western Oklahoma overcome barriers in their lives to enable them to become productive, self-supporting citizens.
Busby says the recent partnership is beneficial to both entities and the charity is very pleased with the items Christi’s provides them.
Western Oklahoma Family Care Center, located in the former Elk City Armory at 609 West Avenue E – according to the website – is committed to showing God’s love in practical ways. Some say they center best benefits the working poor in a four county area, Roger Mills, Washita, Custer and Beckham Counties.
Janet Sproull, a cashier at the thrift store, loves working at Chrisi’s. She leads one to believe it’s almost therapeutic and spiritual – both for the staff and the customers.
Busby says right now, they’re running a blue tag and Easter special with 75% off a number of items.
A big seller for the shop is a line of ceramic products called Cow Parade by the artist.
She says there’s always a need for donated items. She says it’s hard to sell items if she doesn’t have them. She rarely turns down donated items, almost all items. Some kinds go faster than others.
Christi’s is open 10 to 5, Monday through Saturday at 110 South Main Street.
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