I want (seniors) to have a space (at Welcome Home Thrift & More)," said Alisha Wambolt, executive director of the thrift store. "Surprisingly, over the last year, several widows and other seniors have come in saying, 'It's so cold out that I don't want to be outside, but I don't want to just sit at home,'" Wambolt explained. She noted that seniors are looking for something to do, but they may not be able to make a commitment to volunteer. In response, Wambolt pictured an area where seniors could relax and help with small jobs that do not require a lot of time.

Wambolt's vision has come to fruition in the creation of a special area at the back of the store's main showroom designated for socializing or simply relaxing. The area, which resembles a living room with comfortable and inviting decor, is named Grace's Corner after Wambolt's grandmother. "She was the first senior and widow I ever knew," said Wambolt, who has a special call to reach out to those who have lost their spouses. "I can't imagine being a new widow, and some are in their early 50s," said Wambolt of her sympathy for those in this stage of life. "(They may be thinking), 'OK, what am I going to do with my time?'" she stated. "They want to be around people, but maybe they don't want to commit to a full schedule of volunteering." The new space on the main floor will give seniors who visit an opportunity to be near others as well as something to do. "We need a lot of grace to work through that season (of life)," shared Wambolt.

Activities will include puzzles that will be stocked in a cupboard at one end of the space, and there will be magazines in a rack. Seniors can bring a book or grab one off the store shelf to look at. Wambolt is also considering putting a television in the space so visiting seniors can watch movies. "(A visitor) could invite a friend to come and chat," said Wambolt, who noted that coffee is available at the front of the store for those who prefer to talk over a cup.

Puzzle workers will actually be doing the thrift shop a favor. "We put all of our puzzles together to make sure they have all their pieces, so that's something they could do," Wambolt pointed out. "We are getting donations of puzzles by the boxload." Preparing clothing for sale is another way seniors can help while enjoying some company. "We steam 90% of our clothing, so someone is running the steamer all the time," said Wambolt. "So that's something easy they could do."

"Our goal would be to focus on (providing) a place to go where (visiting seniors) can be around people and converse if they want to, but they don't have to," said Wambolt. "They won't have to sit at home alone."

Welcome Home Thrift, in the Ironspire complex at 2800 N. Reading Road, Suite 430, Adamstown, supports Home International, a ministry to young girls in India. Volunteers are sought to sort donations and work in the shop on a regular basis. Wambolt noted that groups are needed for one-time projects. Applications may be picked up at the store.

More information may be found at http://www.welcomehomethrift.com.