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Yesterday I went into Saint Vincent de Paul Thrift Store to make a donation. I had never been in this location before. It is on Bonita Beach Road and just opened last Monday.

It had been located just three blocks down the street for the past three years, in a smaller building. This is a spacious, bright store with more than 9,000 square feet. They took five units to make all this space.



I talked with Michelle who told me the thrift store is run by 85 percent volunteers and they are always looking for more. She said it is a fun atmosphere to work in. All the proceeds go to Personal 101, the food bank or to assist people out of work who can't pay their bills. They take donations 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

I wandered around while I was in there and noticed everything was clean and well organized. All the clothes in one section, a section for books with the latest authors like James Patterson, Nora Roberts, Janet Evanovich and Mary Higgins Clark -- all my favs! Paper backs just $.50 and hard covers $1.

A separate section for furniture where I found a good looking curved beige sofa for $599, a lemon leather chair $299, a red leather love seat $299. There was a great wicker bedroom set, the triple dresser at $250, the five drawer chest at $200. Matching night stands only $95. All had glass tops. An iron and wicker glass top dining table and four chairs can be had for $299. Four like new, matching iron bar stools just $50 each. A patio set, of table and six chairs $295. There were many sofas starting at $399 and selection of chairs. I liked the green shuttered TV cabinet for $189 and the yellow hand-painted desk for $175, three drawer chest $150 and the night stands were only $60.

There were many choices of TV cabinets and china cabinets. Remember if it isn't the right color you can always paint it! Armless ultra suede beige chairs, like new $175. An unusual cypress wood base cocktail table and end table with glass tops, even a reclining leather sofa... all at reasonable prices.

I saw a whole set of Wedgwood china and a set of fine bone china by Royal Albert in the Chantilly pattern, service for eight for $300 the set! A collection of Norman Rockwell plates $15-30 or some old fashioned plates like my mom used to have for $10. Really nice vases for $5-7. How about a twin set of silver chafing dishes for you entertainers at $25 or a Caesar salad bowl on a stand, $30. Many kitchen items can be found as well as knick-knacks, lamps and shades, bedspreads, and linens, jewelry, vacuums, golf clubs even a decent sized safe for $75.

Oh, I almost forgot to tell you Saturday is dollar day... all the clothing is just one dollar! Michelle said they line up for this!

You never know what you will find here and Michelle said it changes very quickly as things are going out fast and new things coming in. There is a small fee for delivery but they will pick up your items free.

It is for a good cause so if you have anything to donate including your time go to Saint Vincent de Paul Thrift Store. Located at 3725 Bonita Beach Road in Bonita Springs.

Phone: 992-1899.

Hours Mon-Sat 9-4