MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Fair Price Clothing Store is celebrating 50 years of serving the community with affordable clothing and household items while seeking donations to help families prepare for colder weather.
The volunteer-operated store at 15 W. Avenue B is collecting fall and winter clothing, queen-size sheets, towels of all sizes, blankets, bedspreads and comforters.
Speaking on the BW Morning Show, Beth Henshaw said limited storage makes seasonal donations particularly helpful. Bedding and towels are also needed for the store’s voucher program.
“We ran out of towels one time this summer,” Henshaw said.
Partner agencies provide vouchers to individuals and families who need clothing and household essentials. Those agencies include First Call for Help, BrightHouse, Reno County Connections, recovery communities and the Reno County Education Cooperative.
Voucher recipients select items that fit their needs, including clothing, dishes, silverware and available bedding.
“They get to come in and shop for the clothing that they need,” Henshaw said. “They look all over our shelves and decide what works best for them.”
Gregory Johnson, the store’s president, said clothing generally costs $1 to $2, while housewares typically range from $1 to $3. On the last Friday and Saturday of each month, shoppers can fill a bag with items without individual price markings for $4.
The store traces its beginnings to Hutchinson Community Ministries in 1976. Area Methodist churches later assumed responsibility for the clothing operation, which moved to its current location in 2017.
Church volunteers remain central to the operation, with participating congregations taking responsibility for designated months. RSVP also helps provide volunteers.
“The Fair Price Clothing Store, I would say, for most of our churches really is a labor of love,” Henshaw said.
The store recently completed the process of obtaining 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. Henshaw said financial contributions help support operations, including donations from shoppers who round up their purchases.
October anniversary activities include a drawing for a $25 store gift card each Saturday. The store also will open from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, for Third Thursday shopping and special deals.
Regular hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays and 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays. Donations are accepted during business hours. The store does not have a donation drop box.