On the Clothesline Thrift Store volunteer Angie Hammond, left, and Stephanie Kauffeldt, daughter of the late owner Sandy Gombik. (Sherry Haaima photo)
As the saying goes, all good things come to an end, and it appears such is the case for the On the Clothesline Thrift Store in Renfrew.
With the recent untimely death of owner Sandy Gombik, who had cancer, the decision has been made to close the store, effective Dec. 21
Through sales and online auctions, in the more than six years since the store opened, Sandy donated to more than 50 charities. She’s been celebrated for her considerable contributions to the community.
Store volunteer Angie Hammond and Sandy’s daughter Stephanie Kauffeldt say they’ve been getting a lot of messages and comments about how proud everyone is of how much Sandy gave back to the community and how sorry they are the store is closing.
Angie joined the team in 2020 during the pandemic and said she appreciates and will miss customers and her fellow volunteers.
On the Clothesline became known not only for its support of different non-profit organizations, but it had great stuff at great prices, said Angie.
Now, all items are being offered at 50 per cent off and a special Christmas tradition started by Sandy is being continued, one last time. Every Friday and Saturday, elementary school aged children (Grade 6 and under) are invited to come and shop for someone in their immediate family.
And when Angie hinted that one recent young shopper may have gotten more than one item for his quarter, Stephanie smiled and said her mom would have loved that and done the same.
She said her mom was always on the go and she put a lot of time and effort into the store.
Stephanie said her mom loved working with the volunteers and was a caring person all her life, helping out whenever she could.
On the Clothesline Thrift Store is closed Mondays, open 1-5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.
(Written by Sherry Haaima)