Thrifters Rock finds new home in Meta Rose Square

WASILLA — Bargain hunters in Wasilla have another thrift store to add to their hit list with the opening of a second Thrifter's Rock location. Feb. 4 marked the grand opening of its Wasilla location in Meta Rose Square.

Store manager Trudy Bonette said shoppers will find the same quality, previously owned items in Wasilla as its Palmer location. Volunteers spent the last several months prepping and stocking the new location. Bonette said the stores rely on the generosity of the public to help fund both Church on the Rock and outreach programs, locally and globally. It also counts on volunteers to staff both locations.

"Volunteers can work either a four or eight-hour shift. They do need to fill out a background check application," Bonette said. "They receive in-store credit (for hours worked). It takes 10-12 workers each day to run things. Right now, we could use about 10 more volunteers."

According to Bonette and the store's Facebook page, there is a push to construct a church building in Palmer. The Palmer campus has been meeting for 10 years in school gym. The church is also "bursting at the seams" in Wasilla and there is a need to add additional space at that location.

Bonette said the church also uses store profits to fund a large number of Mat-Su projects and community outreach and homeless programs. One recent example shared by Bonette was using store proceeds to help rebuild a family's Palmer home following a fire.

Bonette encourages those looking for quality items at a good price to stop in either store. Both stores off a 10 percent senior/military discount off a purchase with proper identification.

"We offer quality used and like-new items at a fraction of the cost," Bonette said. "We even have a retro corner!"

The stores feature some of their items on both Facebook pages — Thrifter's Rock Palmer and Thrifter's Rock Wasilla.

The Wasilla location isn't up to full speed on the number of hours it plans to be open to shoppers. Bonette said until extra staff can be brought onboard, the store is open Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

"We hope to add additional days as soon as we can," Bonette said. "We haven't been good about answering phone."

Items can be dropped off at either location or Church on the Rock in Palmer. The Wasilla store is located at 290 Yenlo Street, 106 in the Square. The church is located at 3571 West Machen Road and there is a 24/7 donation bin in front of the building. The Palmer store is located at 10823 Palmer Wasilla Highway and is open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Bonette said those wishing to drop off a large amount of items or large furniture should call first. The Wasilla store's number is 373-7456 and the shop in Palmer can be reached at 745-7456.