Alleghany Cares addition opens to robust customer turnout By ROBBY LUCKE Staff Customer participation was robust during the grand opening of the recently revamped Alleghany Cares thrift store on Aug. 17, as about 70 people were lined up outside just before the store opened at 10 a.m., waiting to hunt for the best bargains on clothes, shoes and knickknacks. But then again, that represents a typical Friday morning for the store, according to board member Margaret Barker. The new facility on Womble Street has been open about two months. "I love it. There's so much more room to display more merchandise. There's more room to shop," said Brenda Washington, Alleghany Cares' director of operations. "It's easier to get around in, easier to find things." With wider aisles, 'People actually have room to take carts around.' Alleghany Cares originally opened in March 1995.

Shoppers comb shelves for bargains during the grand opening of Alleghany Cares' new store last Friday. About 70 customers were ready when the doors opened at 10 a.m.

The new building addition provides 4,800 square feet of usable store space, said Washington, at least doubling the capacity of the old facility.

"We're very pleased with the response from the community," said Washington. "We appreciate the support, the donations coming into the store. Without the donations, without the volunteers, we wouldn't be able to operate the store."

Alleghany Cares is open from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. She said she has been asked if the store plans to expand that schedule.

"If we can get enough volunteers to man the store, we could be open more days. It depends on volunteers," she said.

Those interested in volunteering or donating items can telephone the store at 372-5959.

Someone is usually present to answer the phone between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and an answering machine is available, which allows workers to return calls made after business hours the following day.

Alleghany Cares is also the location for twice-monthly visits by a mobile pharmacy.

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