The Thrift House of the Junior League of Evanston-North Shore will reopen its doors at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 1, with extensive COVID-19 safety measures in place.
The Thrift House, located at 920 Chicago Ave. in Evanston, is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year. It sells gently used clothing, shoes, jewelry, accessories, small furniture, books and housewares.
All proceeds support the mission of the Junior League, a volunteer women’s organization that works to improve the welfare of the local community.
Recent JLE-NS initiatives include a baby shower for low-income new mothers and grants for local groups such as Arden Shore Child and Family Services.
“There are so many among us who are hurting economically because of the current pandemic,” says Paula Danoff, chair of the board that oversees the Thrift House. “The affordable offerings at Thrift House help lighten the financial burdens of the diverse population we serve. In turn, any income we generate helps to build the social and physical infrastructure of Chicago’s northern suburbs.”
To ensure that Thrift House customers can shop safely, the store will limit the number of customers during the day and requiring patrons to maintain a six-foot distance as indicated by markers throughout the facility.
Store hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday (until 6 p.m. on Thursdays), and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays.
In addition, both staff and customers will be required to wear face masks inside the store and the cashier will work behind a plexiglass shield.
Any housewares will also be cleaned and sprayed with Lysol before they are placed on the shop floor. The store will only accept no-contact donations on an as-needed basis.
“We have been working hard to ensure the health and safety of our customers and staff when we reopen,” says Thrift House Manager Geoffrey Robert. “We have many essential and affordable items on sale at Thrift House and look forward to welcoming customers back during this time of great insecurity and enormous need.”