Libby Community Thrift store in search of a new home
Libby Community Thrift store's Tanya Gehrke, Debbie Sonju and Joan Sonju are hoping the store can remain in its current location or find a new home. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
As they celebrate their 42nd birthday in service to the local community, the Libby Community Thrift store is seeking a miracle to keep its doors open.
A small celebration will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, June 14. Cake and punch will be available.
When property owner Betty Hafferman died last fall, the chain of dominoes began to fall. Family members are attempting to sell the land where the store sits.
Thrift store operators say they are unable to purchase the building.
“People have told us if we would have kept the money we made over the last 20 years, we’d be able to buy it, but that’s not our mission,” said Tanya Gehrke, a volunteer and board member. “We give the money back to the community.”
Libby Community Thrift’s giving is not insignificant. Since 2003, when they moved to their current location on Utah Avenue behind Rosita’s Mexican Food, the donations total about $174,000.
When people lose their homes and possessions, the store has provided clothing, bedding and housewares to help get them back on their feet.
The store also hosts an annual coat and winter wear sale in September. Over the years, the organizations and individuals they have donated to are countless. Some of the agencies they support help people get out of abusive relationships.
“We’ve supported the Libby Food Pantry, the pregnancy center, Wings, Libby Ministerial, Lincoln County Crisis Solutions, the Libby chapter of the Lincoln County Library, the backpack program for younger kids to make sure they have enough to eat, scholarships for graduating seniors at Libby High School, Libby Care Center, the high school kids Christmas and many others,” Gehrke said.
She said board members and volunteers have been looking at other locations, but the rents are too high. Currently, they pay $350 a month.
“Betty appreciated what we did, so we got a good deal on the rent,” Joan Sonju said.
Board president Joan Sonju and her sister Debbie said closing the store or moving is not something they prefer at this point.
“The vast majority of our volunteers are over 65, so moving everything would be very difficult,” Debbie Sonju said. “Hopefully someone else will buy it and we can continue what we do.”
“At this point, we’re hoping for a miracle,” Joan Sonju said.
Gehrke said a local business owner looked into buying the property, but declined.
Those who run the store are getting some local support.
“Tabitha Viergutz of LOR is looking into some ways to help us, particularly if we have to move,” Sonju said.
An annual highway cleanup fundraiser was also held last weekend with the money raised going to the store.