Tillamook County Women's Resource Center

Tough times are bringing new programs and new ways for local shoppers to save at the Wild Flower Thrift Boutique.

In the wake of state budget cutbacks that are affecting funding for Tillamook County Women’s Resource Center, Melissa Finnell, manager of the Wild Flower, is developing a program of special sales and promotions to introduce more local residents to the store, attract more volunteers and increase donations of good used merchandise.

The newest development, said Finnell, is that the Wild Flower can now accept donations of all titled vehicles, whether they run or not. And Wild Flower personnel will come pick up vehicles that cannot be driven in.

"This is a win-win for everyone," she said. "We can sell the vehicles to help support our services to local women and children and the donors can get rid of unwanted cars and trucks without the cost of hauling them away, plus they can receive a tax deduction."

Finnell also has set up a schedule of special promotions to attract shoppers and help those who are trying to make every dollar count.

"Our standing Color Code Special is always in effect," she said. "We attach colored tags to our merchandise and offer discounts on merchandise marked with the sale color of the day. Our goal is to make room to continuously add new merchandise and either sell or remove older items. This keeps our inventory fresh and interesting to our customers."

Another standing special is the "3 for $1" sale that is held the last Saturday of each month. On Fridays, you can take advantage of a bag sale in which all used clothing or domestic items, such as linens, that you can fit into one of the store’s bags costs you a total of just $10. Also on Fridays, all new clothing is half off.

Lastly, on Wednesdays, the Wild Flower offers a 20 percent senior discount for any purchase over $10. All shoppers age 55 or older can take part.

Due to recent state budget cutbacks, the program that paid Women's Resource Center for training retail workers has been cut in half. Since there are now fewer subsidized workers helping at the store, Finnell said there are now more opportunities for volunteers to get involved.

"We especially need volunteers with a background in sewing or woodworking, as well as those who would like to do such things as sorting donations and doing displays," she said.

As always, she noted, donations of furniture and appliances are especially needed. You may bring your donations to the Wild Flower at any time during business hours. And the staff will pick up larger items at no cost.

North County residents need not travel all the way to Tillamook. They may drop off their donations at Nehalem Landing Storage Center near Manzanita - (503) 368-7001 – for us to pick up later.

The Wild Flower also is looking for people willing to donate the use of a storage unit or small warehouse in Cloverdale or Hebo and in the Netarts-Oceanside area where donors may drop off their items.

"We would like to encourage everyone to consider donating their unwanted items instead of going through the hassle of holding a garage sale," Finnell continued. "Rather than having to put up signs, stick tags on items, spend two days of valuable free time, worry about managing a cash box and possibly make less money than it is all worth, you can donate your items to us. When you do, you not only are helping women and children all over Tillamook County, your donations are tax deductible."

The Wild Flower accepts donations of all types of household items, including clothing, furniture, large and small appliances, tools, books, dishes, glassware and seasonal items.

There are only a few things The Wild Flower cannot take. For public health reasons, it cannot accept used baby furniture, stuffed animals or stained upholstered items. It also does not accept old encyclopedias or reference books.

The Wild Flower Thrift Boutique is at 114 Main Ave., Tillamook, (503) 842-2996.