After closing in August due to storm damage, the Thrifty Kitty Thrift Boutique, a thrift shop operated by Humane Pennsylvania (Humane PA), has reopened in a different building at Humane PA's Lancaster campus. Additionally, the store, which previously operated on a limited basis, is now open for business seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The store, which is located in the Lewin Adoption Center for Cats & Critters, is run by volunteers. A soft opening was held at the location on Dec. 7.

"People who come to look at the cats will be directed to the thrift shop," noted Karel Minor, president and CEO of Humane PA. "The nice thing is that because the shop is strictly volunteer-run and we were in a separate building, we were only open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Here, is it seven days a week because we are here for adoptions. Our staff can bring people (to the thrift store) if there are no volunteers here."

Minor noted that the former thrift store, which was housed in a purple building on the campus, was damaged during last summer's storms. "The parking lot flooded out, and it did damage to the foundation. Interestingly, this space had been the original thrift shop many years ago," said Minor. "It got converted to vet space and was a veterinary hospital for years before the Humane League merged with the Humane Society of Berks County."

Items are still in the process of being moved from the former thrift store to the new building. "It is organized differently, but we will be able to fit everything," Minor noted. "This building is so bright compared to the last building, which was basically back in the woods. (The new location) was set up to be a nice vet hospital." He added that the new building will also offer a drive-up option for donations.

The space in the shop is divided into smaller rooms. One room offers CDs and records, while other rooms house books and vintage clothing. The main floor includes gifts, decor and household goods. "Our clients will be able to loop through," Minor said, noting that artwork will be hung in the hallways. "We will bring the kitchen cabinets up (from the old location) and have a kitchen room with housewares."

Staff and volunteers have been busy setting up the new store and getting it organized. Additional volunteers are needed. "We are technically open, but the signage is still going up. We will also modify the outside road sign," Minor stated. "The bulk of the work is done by volunteers, including sorting, pricing and keeping (the space) clean."

In addition to volunteers, donations are welcome. Needed items are vintage goods and antiques of all types; books, comic books and magazines; glassware, kitchenware and cookware; records, CDs, cassette tapes and other recorded media; toys, games and puzzles; and artwork. All items must be clean and in good condition. Items that are not accepted include furniture, mattresses, televisions, electronics and clothing.

"If we can't use it, we get it to a charity that can," Minor noted. "(Donated) blankets can be used for the animals. If it is clothing we can't sell, we will take it Goodwill or other local charities."

He said special care is taken to display valuable antique items that are donated by the community. "People are starting to bring us their collections. (Recently), someone who was into cardinals donated their collection," Minor said, adding, "(Most of our sales) were music. We love (donated) records, tapes and CDs."

The Thrifty Kitty Thrift Boutique is located at 2195 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster. All proceeds from sales at the store benefit the animals and programs of Humane PA.

For more details or to complete a volunteer application, visit http://www.humanepa.org/the-thrifty-kitty-thrift-boutique. More information is also available by searching for "The Thrifty Kitty Thrift Boutique" on Facebook. Those with questions may call 717-393-6551 or email TheThriftyKitty@humanepa.org.