Nov 28, 2013 3 min read

WAYNESBURG – The workers at Hidden Treasures thrift store in Wide Water Commons, Waynesburg, were very busy Wednesday, filling shelves, racks and crannies with new items. The room for kitchen gadgets bulged with almost new appliances, coffee makers, blenders and tableware. Floor lamps, every one priced to sell, lit the aisles and strands of holiday lights led shoppers from one room to the next.

“We’re doing Black Friday like we usually do, but this year we’re adding Black Saturday, too,” longtime worker Jessie Moats said, looking around approvingly at the fresh assortment of furniture, clothing, houseware, toys and holiday decorations that were being put out by store workers and volunteers.

“We always put out new merchandise and have refreshments, too. This year, we’re getting a lot of calls about Christmas trees, so if you have a tree you’re ready to part with, or ornaments and lights, let us know.”

New manager Kathy Suska of Washington was in the thick of it, moving baskets, lamps and armloads of clothing from the back room. “The new merchandise will be priced as marked but we also have a big sale. All Christmas items, including sweaters, knickknacks and furniture will be 50 percent off Friday and Saturday.”

“I’ve been here for three days and it’s a lot of fun,” Waynesburg University senior Dominic Zappa said, peering over a rack. “This is a great place to volunteer.”

“We appreciate the students very much,” Moats said.

“Three wonderful girls came in the other day and hung two carts of clothes in an hour.”

Suska found a moment to sit in her office and reflect on her job and what it means to her. “I’ve been here since August and I’m a former member of the City Mission. I lived there for seven months four years ago, then got a job in the Washington store on Jefferson Avenue. I’m so thankful for the Mission.They took a real chance with me but in less than a year I was assistant manager and when the opening came up they made me a manager here. Those who work here really make this store something special (Former manager) Judy Streit is back to work two days to week and has been an amazing help to me. We’re like family.”

The Washington City Mission stores in Donora, Canonsburg, Washington and Waynesburg offer reasonably priced clothing and household items for those on a budget, along with a voucher system to supply free goods and services to the homeless, whether it be from natural disaster or personal misfortune.

“Our mission is to end homelessness in our community, one life at a time,” Washington City Mission president and CEO Dean Gartland said. “We work with other social services, and with drug and alcohol programs, hospitals, Salvation Army and the police to reach the homeless and help them reintegrate into society.”

Profits from the thrift stores go to support Mission programs, including a soup kitchen, a men’s shelter and a women’s shelter, Avis Arbors, which has room for custodial children. WCM is the largest private shelter in the area with the capacity to serve 56 men and 32 women and children. More than133, 000 meals are served annually.

Hidden Treasures store hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Call 724-852-1519 to volunteer or to donate.