Kiwanis members got the opportunity to learn more about the Bargain Bin of Paulding County at their most resent meeting. Rhonda Smalley, the Bargain Bin president informed members that the Bargain Bin first opened its doors in 1962 after a group of women had very successful rummage sales. The idea for a rummage sale all came about in the 50s during the polio outbreak and the goal was to raise money for those affected by the disease. To this day the Bargain Bin donates their profits to the Paulding County Hospital to buy physical therapy equipment. Not only does this help the hospital and the people of our community, but it also sticks to their roots of helping people overcome a struggle in their life.
The Bargain Bin outgrew their old location and built a building after receiving an anonymous gift of $80,000, donation of land, and many other donations from businesses and people in the community. Their new doors opened in 2017 and they have been booming since! They have expanded to Facebook, Market Place and Ebay and make great use of their Facebook page to sell vintage items and hidden treasures.
The Bargain Bin just donated funds to the hospital to help them purchase a machine that helps patients with vertigo. Attempting physical therapy with extreme vertigo can seem impossible, so the device will allow patients to better focus and improve their progress. The Bargain Bin is also looking to add a new front porch to their building to create more of a curb appeal and utilize the space for “sidewalk sales”.
The store is open Friday and Saturday, but the volunteers work tirelessly to sort and organize the incoming items for resale. “We truly have smart, creative, wonderful, and hardworking volunteers,” says Smalley. Kiwanis thanks all the volunteers who make the Bargain Bin such a success! Kiwanis members will meet next Thursday over lunch.
