Willing Partners Opens in Independence
Willing Partners opened a new thrift store in Independence today, May 1, giving away free snacks to customers. The new store is right next to Walters' Drug on Main Street in the old Grayson Garment factory building. Willing Partners is a nonprofit member agency serving the Twin Counties and Galax. In Galax, the Willing Partners food bank gives away more than 1200 food boxes to needy families a month. The mission of Willing Partners is to “bring together people, churches, and groups who share a common desire to improve the lives of those in need.”
This roving reporter and Independence native has been a crackerjack thrift/consignment store shopper for years. I attended the Grand Opening of the Independence Willing Partners wearing Ralph Lauren Polo jeans (Doubletakes Consignment, Sparta, $8); ribbed sweater from the Limited (Galax Goodwill, $3.50); and Wolky calfskin leather loafers from Spain (Willing Partners, Galax, $3.00). I was very impressed by the new Willing Partners, which is much larger than the Galax store. The store is bright, airy, and clean--with thousands of square feet of expansion space.
Clothing is sorted by size, so that it is easy to find what you are looking for. I spotted two pairs of J. Crew jeans (about an $80 value per pair) for $3.00 each and a skirt from Talbots with the $108.00 price tag still attached for $4.00. The store also has a huge stockpile of used furniture for sale and is selling toys, books, and household goods. Fitting rooms with mirrors and a public restroom are provided.
The Independence Willing Partners is open six days a week, and needs your donations of clothing and household items. Bring your used donations up the ramp on the left-hand side of the building during regular business hours. Rev. Ted Bartlett, Willing Partners director, can arrange for employees and volunteers to pick up large items in the Willing Partners truck, or they can be hauled by donors to the back of the store. Willing Partners accepts monetary donations too. With enough support, the Independence branch of Willing Partners will grow to be as much of an invaluable community resource as the Galax location has become.
Rev. Bartlett told me that the town of Independence is growing, not dying. He cited the new prison and the new Pizza Plus as signs of economic hope. "Things are getting better and better," Rev. Bartlett declared. The amazing transformation that Willing Partners has brought to an abandoned factory--turning it into one of the most attractive secondhand stores I've ever seen--is a sign that things are, indeed, looking up.
Willing Partners Thrift Store Main Street, Independence, VA Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m. (276)773-2092