Welcome Home Thrift & More supports local vendors

Last spring, Welcome Home Thrift & More, located in the IronSpire Complex at 2800 N. Reading Road, Suite 430, Adamstown, held the Oasis Makers Market as a fundraiser. "It took off well," said Alisha Wambolt, manager of Welcome Home, a thrift store that was originally known as Second Street and founded by Debbie Hollinger to support HOME International, which provides group homes for girls in India.

Alisha shared that her daughter, Maddie, oversaw the fundraiser, attracting 25 vendors to the event. "We thought, 'What if we were to bring some of those vendors inside our shop?'" explained Alisha. "It would give people who are not thrifters an opportunity to shop local." Alisha and Maddie asked a few of the vendors if they would like to rent spots in the shop, and cleared out an area near the front of the store to begin hosting area makers. "It has gone crazy," said Alisha of the section of the store now called "The Oasis."

"I love (this concept) because it is our mission to help those in need, and there's a different need inside this room," Alisha pointed out, noting that some of the makers are stay-at-home moms, who would like to use their creativity to contribute to the family budget. "One (vendor) is in her early 50s, and she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease," said Alisha, who explained that the vendor gave up her job and began learning graphic design, which came naturally to her. "She's making cards." Another maker is a vet who has PTSD. A display with her story is located along one wall of The Oasis. "The Oasis gives us a chance to come alongside local people and showcase their talents," Alisha said.

"Maddie does a fantastic job (attracting a) variety of vendors," shared Alisha. Walking through The Oasis, Alisha pointed out displays of baked goods, slippers, antiques and collectibles, pottery, jewelry, metalwork, plants, herbal teas, soaps, and sweaters. Other displays featured photography, knitted and crocheted items, leather bags and personal-size sewn bags, and pottery in different styles. "We've encouraged our vendors to keep in mind that we're a thrift as they price their items," Alisha stated.

Creators taking part in The Oasis are not all seasoned businesspeople, according to Alisha. One vendor who makes earrings is 15 years old. "We have a 13-year-old who makes bracelets in a perfect price range for kids," said Alisha, who noted that the shop currently features about 40 vendors. "We promote them, and they promote us," she said.

Welcome Home Thrift & More and The Oasis are open Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. More information may be found at http://welcomehomethrift.com. Readers who have specific questions may call 717-336-4104 or email info@welcomehomethrift.com.