Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Children browse the Quarter Store on its opening day, searching for the perfect gifts for friends and family.
Plenty of items are available at the Quarter Store. Children get first pick of the items through Dec. 12, and anyone may purchase items Dec. 15-24. It is open 3-7 p.m., Monday through Friday.
With so many in the spirit of giving during the Christmas season, it Is no wonder that children along with adults want to get in on the giving action. Thanks to the Bushnell Calvary United Methodist Women and the Kimball Trinity United Methodist Women, Kimball will have a 'Quarter Store' once again this holiday season.
In the past, the Quarter Store has found a home in the building across the street from FirsTier Bank. However, this year, the store has found a new home. It is now in the old West Elementary School, located at 301 S. Howard.
To get to the Quarter Store one must enter through the south entrance. Colorful circles stuck to the wall will lead the way to the room where the store is located.
Pat Tobler is in charge of the Quarter Store this year, which opened up Dec. 1. It was originally set to open Nov. 28, however, due to an overwhelming amount of inventory as well as the new location, set up took longer than anticipated.
"So many people have donated. When people have left over items from garage sales, they donate them. We get all this stuff and we're still getting calls from people who want to donate," Tobler said.
The giving spirit is certainly alive and well in Kimball. At the Quarter Store opening, children present were encouraged to return at a later date because more inventory would be put out.
"We have so much we can't put it all out at once, but this means that there will be a variety of things for the kids to choose from and if they come back there will most likely be something new to see," Tobler said.
The Quarter Store's efforts are meant to benefit children who would like to buy presents for family members with their own money. It is also there to benefit families that might see a tough time during the holidays.
"We understand that sometimes things are tight, money-wise, around Christmas and we hope that this makes it a little easier for some," Tobler said.
Through Dec. 12, only children are allowed to make purchases. From Dec. 15 to 24, both children and adults may make purchases.
"Because we get so many donations, we end up having a few items that are rather nice. I hate to say it, but there are those that abuse the service that the Quarter Store offers, so to prevent that we make it so that for the first two weeks, only children can purchase items," Tobler said.
There are a wide range of items in the Quarter Store, including porcelain figurines, stuffed toys, jewelry, neck ties and much more. After the children purchase their gifts, the volunteer staff members assist the children in wrapping their gifts.
On Fridays, there is a special treat. Santa Claus will be at the Quarter Store from 4-7 p.m.
Another exciting aspect is that anyone who makes a purchase will be asked to write down their name and phone number to be entered in a drawing for some of the larger items that have been donated.
"On the last day we're open we will do the drawing and give out those prizes," Tobler said.
The Quarter Store will be open until Dec. 24. Until then they are open Monday through Friday from 3-7 p.m. It is asked that those wishing to shop at the store use the building's south entrance and follow the signs.
The proceeds of the store go to helping community members in times of need.
"We don't keep the money, we use it to give back to and help those in the community," Tobler said.
Anyone who would like to make donations for the Quarter Store can call the Kimball Methodist Church and set up a drop off or pick up time for their items.