ARC of the Central Plains Thrift Store moving on to larger pastures

Clara Korbe, ARC volunteer for more than 40 years says she is exited about the having a bigger facility, "I enjoy working here," she said. — Clara Korbe, ARC volunteer for more than 40 years , says she is exited about the bigger facility. “I enjoy working here,” she said. “It’s a lot of fun.”

By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

The ARC of the Central Plains Thrift Store — a staple in the downtown for 41 years — is closed as the store moves to a newer and much larger building, the former Stromgren building located at 600 Main.

Staff and volunteers are in the process of painting and renovating their new headquarters, almost 10,000 square feet bigger than their original building at 116 E. 16th.

ARC Director Beth Pfeifer said the extra room is greatly needed as nearly 90 percent of all profits from the thrift store go toward funding the local Special Olympics and other activities for intellectually or developmentally disabled individuals in Ellis County.

“We are really excited about the extra space because it is going to allow us to offer bigger items like furniture,” Pfeifer said. “In the past, we have had to turn down donations and now we will not have to do that.”

Pfeifer said she is also hoping the ARC can expand on social activity programs once settled into the larger facility.

The mew ARC building at 600 Main St. offers more than 10,000 square feet than the former building at on 11 St. — The new ARC building at 600 Main offers more than 10,000 square feet than the former building on East 11th.

“There is a lot of work to be done,” Pfeifer said, noting the ARC has one full-time staff member and one part-time staff member, adding the move would not be possible with the help of their loyal volunteers.

Donations are still accepted and can be dropped behind the new building at 600 Main.

For more information or to find out more about volunteer opportunities, contact Pfiefer at (785) 628-6512.