Thrift store serves up unique atmosphere with help from senior citizens

“From minks to sinks,” reads the large, red sign outside Aunt Nellie’s Attic in Holden. It’s true, and although I didn’t notice any sinks, Aunt Nellie was draped in mink.

Lest you think Aunt Nellie is a bit unhinged for wearing fur on a hot summer day, let me assure you she is quite fine. Aunt Nellie is actually a mannequin dubbed the moniker by zealous volunteers whose goal, along with having fun, is to make the thrift shop a success. The namesake of the Attic is carefully perched on a high shelf in the upper right-hand corner of the store, overlooking the flurry of activity. Tales of Nellie’s escapades abound.

“We love making up stories about her. She is becoming quite a character,” said Kathy Bernier, executive director of the Hammond Street Senior Center. “But really, Aunt Nellie’s Attic is the Hammond Street Senior Center’s largest fund-raiser. All of the money raised goes right back into our programs for seniors. It is wonderful because there is virtually no overhead. We own the building, we only operate in the summer so there is no need for heat, and everyone who works there is a volunteer. And they love it. They talk about it all winter and can’t wait to open.”

These people are serious about their thrift shop, which is home to an eclectic mix of goods from new, still wrapped party supplies to old-fashioned jewelry – I bought three necklaces – to one-of-a-kind pottery and knitted goods made by the senior center members to VHS movies, puzzles and books. The only thing the store doesn’t carry is clothing – Aunt Nellie’s wardrobe, which changes depending on her life events, notwithstanding.

For instance, last year poor Aunt Nellie was “ditched at the altar” by her scoundrel of a beau, said Bernier. The volunteers outfitted her in a bridal gown, served wedding cake to customers and had a sale on Nellie’s shower gifts and her wedding paraphernalia.

Donations for the shop come from a variety of sources. Members and sometimes businesses are eager to help. When the Christmas Tree Shoppe next door to Aunt Nellie’s went out of business, the owners donated some of their merchandise.

“It was a wonderful contribution,” said Bernier. “So we will be having a Christmas in July sale next week.”

“It’s a recycling miracle,” said Bernier. “If you have a garage sale and have household items, HSSC is happy to pick up the leftovers. We will give you a receipt for your taxes as well. We’ll take anything but clothes.”

Aunt Nellie’s Attic is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. If you would like more information on the Hammond Street Senior Center or want to make a donation to Aunt Nellie’s Attic, call 262-5532.

Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging. For information on EAA, call 941-2865, log on www.eaaa.org, or email info@eaaa.org.