Thrift Store Gets Face Lift

For the first time since opening its doors 29 years ago, The Bargain Loft, in Herndon, has received some much needed renovations.

Executive Director and Manager Sherri Longhill said that most of the work was cosmetic allowing there to be a renovated back room, with more space for donated items, additional shelving, a new office under the stairs and a new faucet in the kitchen area.

"In the main area of the store, where the merchandise is displayed, there was dry wall that was removed to make everything lighter and brighter," Longhill said. "It's really helped as far as visibilty goes for the upstairs, which many people didn't even know about."

Other improvements that were made included relocating shelving from the womans dressing room to the first floor, Longhill said, in order to make the shelving consistent on both floors.

The book nook, which was previously located under the staircase, has been moved to another side of the store, allowing for a very nice book area, she said.

As a result, the space under the stairs has been closed in and is now being used as the manager's office.

Beginning back in March, Longhill said that the renovations were completed in late June by long time customer and friend Nick Kalenich, of Herndon.

"He donated all his time and the only cost was for materials," Longhill said. "He actually was a very good customer and still is. We see him and his wife all the time and one day I just happened to talk to him about our plans and he asked, 'When do you want to start?'."

Longhill said there are plans to do more work at the Loft in the future. For now she is happy with what's already been done.

Longhill said she is thankful that the Loft was able to find someone who was willing to volunteer their time. Kalenich said, "People asked me why I did it and it's because I believe in giving back to the community."

"We're so thrilled. Our customers have come in and they say the store looks great. And the volunteers love it," Longhill said. "It makes it a lot easier for the people that work in the back because they can move around and they aren't cramped for space. Especially with donations all over the place."

A volunteer-run thrift store, the Bargain Loft sells household items, and furniture, among other things.

Profits generated by the store support the FISH assistance program, a non-profit organization which has been dedicated to helping people meet emergencies and short-term needs, in the Herndon and Reston area, since 1969.

To learn how you can help or to make donations call 703-437-0600. You can also visit http://www.herndonrestonfish.org/index.html.