I have to admit, I’d never actually been to the Rescue Ranch Thrift Store until last week. Not that I have anything against resale shops–I’m just not a big shopper. But I’m so glad I accepted manager Jodi Wilson’s invitation and stopped in. I learned that the Thrift Store is the hub of a community of volunteers and dog lovers committed to making a difference by funding dog rescue. Now that’s priceless!
Dog business is good business
Under Jodi’s management, the Thrift Store teamed up with Rescue Ranch in 2017. It’s been a success in every way, benefitting the local community as well as funding dog rescue. In fact, the Thrift Store provides roughly half of Rescue Ranch’s annual income!
The first thing I looked for when I arrived was The Rainbow Bridge art installation Jodi had described to me. The sculpture was created for the store by local artist Rajiv Hotek when they moved to their current, larger space in 2021. Rajiv is well known in Yreka as the founder of Nature’s Kitchen. He’s also a wonderful foster, providing a longterm home for senior St. Bernard Molly.
The dog in the photograph at the top of the bridge is the very first dog taken in by Rescue Ranch!
Serendipitously, I arrived when Rescue Ranch volunteer Bill Chesney was making the rounds with Penelope, an adorable pittie who’s available for adoption. Bill takes professional-quality photographs of adoptable dogs in his studio, in hopes they’ll catch the attention of prospective adopters. His weekly routine always includes a stop at the Thrift Store with his canine subject of the day. He said Penelope reminded him of a beloved family dog. Penelope had a bit of eye inflammation that day but was eagerly sniffing the aisles. She paused to wag her tail and pose for a picture.
Seasonal items, clothing, furniture, oh my!
Jodi gave me a tour of the store, including the back room where volunteers sort donations. Most of these volunteers have been with the Thrift Store since before it was connected with Rescue Ranch–several of them for decades! The sorting is a never-ending job, and I imagine it must be kind of fun. Jodi said they’d recently received the produce of three estates within a few days. All the work tables were piled high with goods, while boxes of still more donations waited in storage.
The Thrift Store accepts donations year round, though they sometimes pause a particular type of item (such as clothing) when there’s an overflow. It’s a good idea to call ahead to find out what they’re currently accepting.
The shopping area is spacious and well-lit, with a large central display of furniture and long aisles for china, dishes, and kitchen supplies. Ranged around the walls are clothing racks, seasonal items, toys, crafts, books, electronics, and just about everything else you could think of. Jodi pointed out the Halloween display near the shoes. She has a contract with the local Walmart to take their overstock after each holiday, which means she’s always well-stocked with seasonal goods. I saw Halloween costumes for children, adults, and even dogs! This is your local one-stop costume shop.
Funding dog rescue means helping humans, too
Much as the Thrift Store has done for Rescue Ranch, rescue dogs aren’t the only ones that benefit. Jodi takes the wellbeing of the community very much to heart as well. During a recent devastating Siskiyou County wildfire, she applied for a Red Cross grant which enabled the store to provide free goods to all fire victims–including furniture. Since then, donations during fire events have been earmarked specifically for those affected. The Mill Fire destroyed many of my neighbor’s homes, so this program touches me especially deeply.
They also offer frequent sales. On the first Saturday of every month (excluding holidays), shoppers can fill a bag with any clothing for just $5.
The moral of the story is that it takes a village to do anything worthwhile. Rescue Ranch is so fortunate to have the dedicated support of this beautiful community of dog lovers. That’s what we call doing it for the dogs!
For more information, check out the Thrift Store’s Facebook page or call 530-643-8156.
