CAMPO, Calif. — A small thrift shop in East San Diego County is helping high school graduates take their first big step into adulthood.
In this Zevely Zone, I visited Campo to find great deals for a good cause.
The Mountain Empire Homemakers Association was founded in 1936. The club was originally affiliated with the Farm Bureau's Home Department. Members first offered handmade items and homemade baked goods at the bazaars and flea markets held in Campo. These days, proceeds from the thrift shop help the community.
Inside the Homemakers Thrift Shop in Campo, every product has a purpose.
During the Great Depression, East County residents started a legacy of giving that became the Mountain Empire Homemakers Association. "I joined this organization in 1980. These are our founders," said Lucy. The 90-year-old volunteer will never forget when the homemakers awarded her son a 150 dollar scholarship. "It was a tremendous help to us," said Lucy. That money was a start for her son and the beginning of Lucy feeling like she needed to pay it back. "We are investing in our future," said Lucy.
The homemakers started passing out scholarships in 1958 to students. "A little incentive to get them going and get them motivated," said Lucy. "It almost makes me cry because I've known these kids when they were little."
"This is Pine Valley Academy which is one of the schools that we support," said volunteer Sue Fallgren. Students used to receive 75 dollars in the '50s. Sue told me these days, that twenty or more students get a thousand dollars each. The money is awarded to all types of students, not just ones who get straight A's. "We've had students who have gone to motorcycle training repair and beauty school and rodeo work and a whole variety of things," said Sue.
All of the items in the shop are donated and then resold. 44 years ago, Lucy wanted to pay her community back for an act of kindness. She thinks by now she's probably worked off the 150-dollar scholarship. "Oh, a little bit, ha, ha, ha, with inflation I think so," laughed Lucy. Her son went on to become an architect.
In 2003, when the rent at their former building became unaffordable, San Ysidro Health provided the organization with its current building at 987 Sheridan Road in Campo. San Ysidro Health provides the building rent-free and also pays for maintenance and insurance.
Today, the Mountain Empire Homemakers Association is comprised of a small group of volunteers who run the Thrift Shop. The shop is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. It offers a wide range of merchandise at bargain prices. Items include clothing, shoes, and accessories for all ages, as well as linens, toys, seasonal items, books, jewelry, crafts, and a large selection of household items. Donations of these items are welcomed during open hours. A tax donation receipt is available. Many shoppers stop by the shop frequently as new items are put out daily. The Facebook page Mountain Empire Homemakers Association highlights shop items and lists weekly sales.
The priority for the use of funds raised is to give graduating seniors in the Mountain Empire School District substantial scholarships to help fund their continuing education at University, Community College, and Trade School. Funds are also donated to other local deserving organizations and families in need.
Volunteers estimate they've been awarded $440,000 in scholarships since 1958. You can always find something special in a thrift shop, they're standing behind the register. To learn more about the Homemakers Thrift Shop in Campo and their scholarship program, click here.