What can you get for a dollar these days? Probably not much. Or, perhaps you can get four books, or a bag of socks, or a set of mugs, or two bath towels, or two pairs of flip-flops or an antique stopwatch, along with a free smile and word of encouragement from a Saint. Maybe you will gather a bag of collectible records or clothing for a very small price, or find that perfect suit for prom for a few dollars.

If it is track or swimming season, one can find all the towels, suits, and equipment left behind, at a very reasonable price. All it takes is a little stroll over the creek and through the trails, down the winding steps below the hanging trees and meandering flowerbeds that line the parking lot between the aquatic center and the tennis courts at the south end of the campus to find the MHCC Neighborhood Saints Thrift Shop. It is very definitely worth the walk for a little treasure hunt.

The Neighborhood Saints are a group of people that help the college in different venues of service, as theatre ushers, running info tables, and more. But , they are most well-known for their Thrift Shop that helps fund the short-term loans for students.

“We have some of the nicest customers come through here,” said Genevieve Collins, better known to her friends as Genny. She has been a familiar face around the Saints for more than 21 years, and is always waiting behind the counter with a cheery smile and words of advice for those who ask. She’ll point out things that may fit the customer’s personality, and is always ready to help with their needs.

“I worked as the chief chemist at Reynolds Aluminum for 30 years, and one day Betty Schedeen grabbed me and asked me to come be a part of the Saints, neighborhood group that helps the college students with short-term loans, among many other things, and here I still am,” said Collins. “The job is interesting, that’s for sure.”

Collins has many interesting stories of her own. “We had a customer come through and pick up an item that apparently was sold later on Ebay for $4,000,” said Collins. “The customer wouldn’t tell us what it was, but our curiosity is really getting the best of us.”

“Sometimes, after I get to know what a returning customer is looking for, I might find something I think they’ll like, and put it aside until the next time I see them. We have one special customer that always comes in and buys suitcases for the people at the retirement homes, so they can take their stuff on hospital or home visits,” said Collins. “He also looks for old calendars for the senior citizen art classes.” She added, “If someone knows they are going to have ambulatory needs soon, we will put walkers and crutches aside for them.”
Robin Poland, another helper at the shop, said “We love it when customers have stories to share, especially the students that are helped through the loan program.”

“We had a student in the loan office come in for some books, with her fingers poking through her gloves, and a tattered jacket, so they sent her over here to get a free pair of gloves and coat,” said Poland.

“This place has been a real help for many people, including myself. I volunteer here so I can give back to the community,” said Poland. “I was fishing in the pond one time, and needed something to cook the fish in, and wandered through the trails to get a pan for a quarter. I found this haven of helping hands, and have been hooked ever since,” said Poland.

“After leaving everything behind in storage a few years ago, we had to start completely over, and the Saints made it possible for me to see a future at MHCC. They opened doors, and I’ve made this my backyard ever since, while I study in the medical transcription program and raise my son,” said Poland.

The toy room is a great place for the children to play when the moms are shopping for clothes, and some customers have been known to browse the book room for hours.
One never knows what antiquity they may find in the glass case up front, but they can be sure Genny, Robin, Cathie Hoye or Pat Hanson will be leaning on it, ready to offer their helping hands. The shop is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 – 4, and is always looking for donations from the community to keep the store well supplied.

“We can always use good clean clothing, books, shoes, toys, jewelry, and other housewares,” said Collins, “and if someone has a large piece of furniture, we’ll even come pick it up.” Call 503-491-7138 for info.

Next time someone is looking for a hidden treasure, emergency loan or bit of helpful advice, they can look for a Saint. “You can find something from one penny to $100, and there is even a ‘free box’ by the welcoming front door,” said Poland. “We try to match the person to the product and everybody finds something.”