Have you ever walked by the St. Lukes Thrift Shop and wondered who does the window displays? Marie Constance is the designer. Some of you may remember Constance from Glimpses, Biltmore Village Dolls and Once Upon a Time, all stores where she previously worked. Smith recalls the shops in Biltmore Village fondly. I loved working in those shops! It was loads of fun. Sometimes it was quite a challenge but that made it fun, says Constance.

Constance began volunteering at the thrift shop when it opened at its new location. She worked at the former Isadoras Closet for five years, dressing the windows there, so it was a natural fit for her to use that knowledge at the thrift shop. Constance says she enjoys dressing the thrift shop windows. It is my creative outlet. I enjoy beginning with a blank window and finishing with a picture I created. Sometimes I begin with one piece of clothing and then the idea just pops! says Constance.

Constance states she enjoys volunteering at the thrift shop and plans to do so for many years to come. It is for a good cause our hospital. I also love all the people with whom I work. We always have a good time. It feels good to give back, Constance says.

Donations of clean, repaired clothing are appreciated. The thrift shop also sells jewelry and other goods such as toasters and dishes, and now, because of the new location, the thrift shop can accept furniture.

There are always opportunities for volunteers at St. Lukes Thrift Shop. Cashiers, sorters and pricers are needed. The thrift shop is open six days a week and depends on 75 volunteers to keep the shop open, stocked and attractive to the public. The St. Lukes Thrift Shop is located in downtown Tryon at 148 North Trade Street and operates Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

If you are interested in volunteering at the thrift shop, or anywhere at St. Lukes Hospital, call Gayle Cook, director of volunteers, at 828-894-3311 for more information and an application.