By Susan Summers
The staff and volunteers of Greater Vail Community Resources are looking forward to welcoming shoppers back to the Vail Depot Thrift Store in July, barring new issues related to Covid 19. The projected re-opening date of July 7 will be accompanied by a few modifications designed to ensure safety for patrons and staff. For example, the Vail Depot Thrift Store will be open fewer days per week: Tuesdays (10 am – 2 pm), Thursdays (10 am – 2 pm) and Saturdays (9 am – 2 pm). Also, the number of shoppers inside the store will be limited and masks will be required of all. (Paper masks can be purchased by those without one.) Further, the inventory has been spread out inside the store to allow for more social distancing—a change that should make thorough cleanings between business days easier as well.
The prospect of handling donated items is an understandable concern for prospective shoppers; however, they can take comfort in the knowledge that the thrift store’s contents have been in storage without human contact for a minimum of seven days. In fact, many items have been stored away much longer.
While the shopping experience will be a bit different than in “pre-covid” days, the inventory will continue to amaze thanks to an avalanche of new donations. The Vail Depot Thrift Store, located “between the tracks” on Colossal Cave Road, is accepting donations of gently used clothing and household goods between the hours of 9 am and 4 pm Tuesdays through Fridays. The staff asks that you leave your items near the large outdoor PODS storage unit in the rear parking lot. A volunteer will transfer the items into the PODS container where they will be quarantined for seven days. Whether you’re donating items to “the Depot” or taking advantage of its bargains, remember that all of the revenue generated goes to support the work of Resources Vail Food Bank. To confirm the re-opening date for the Vail Depot Thrift Store, or to find out more about Greater Vail Community Resources, visit our web site: www.resourcesvail.org
