Tusen Tack Thrift Store: everybody’s store

by Tesha M. Christensen

Tusen Tack thrift store (208 Central Dr.) in Braham is everybody’s store.

The store will celebrate its 30th anniversary this fall.

Since opening in 1989, the shop has donated all of its profits back into the community. Run entirely by volunteers, the thrift shop runs a lean operation. Plus, the number of shoppers are increasing each year. And that means the money being funneled back into the community is growing each year.

Tusen Tack store manager Jane Moyer has been a part of the shop since the beginning, when Lucy Nelson and Mary Nordin decided their town needed a thrift shop. The thrift store was born about the same time as Pie Day.

The thrift store opened in Kelly’s barbershop when he retired. “In three months, we ran out of room,” recalled Moyer.

So, in October 1989, they moved three doors down into the former Wendall Carlson’s Fairway grocery store at Main and Second. Board members went to the bank to ask for a loan, but were denied because they didn’t have a man on the board, explained Moyer. After recruiting local businessman Jay Mankie, they returned and received the loan.

Tusen Tack remained in the former grocery store until 2005, when the building was condemned. The underground tank at a nearby gas station had leaked into the limestone underground. The toxic fumes that were a result were making thrift shop volunteers sick.

So the thrift shop moved for the third time, purchasing the Black Dog Archery and Shooting Range location. They intend to remain at that location, observed Moyer, who said that there is a good flow in the building. Extra stuff is stored in a shed built in back.

MEET TWO VOLUNTEERS

Running an all-volunteer organization requires dedication and time.

“It takes a lot of hard work,” pointed out Moyer.

Fifty-three volunteers help staff Tusen Tack, working one of the two 4-hour shifts offered each day.

“It’s a big family,” said Moyer. “Everyone really enjoys working as a volunteer at Tusen Tack.”

And that includes Moyer. At 89 years old, Moyer has no interest in sitting in her rocking chair. Her mind is good and she feels great. “You work with the public and you keep alert,” she said. “I’ve been active all my life.”

Dorothy Johnson started volunteering at Tusen Tack in the summer of 1997 when she retired from the state of Minnesota. She’s enjoyed the ride. “It’s been an interesting, long road, but it has been really wonderful,” said Johnson.

BEST THRIFT SHOP BETWEEN MINNEAPOLIS AND CANADA

Tusen Tack makes a point of selling nice, gently used items, and stocks clothing, toys, furniture and more.

Prices are set to be affordable, according to Johnson. “Shoppers like the cleanliness of our organization, the friendliness of volunteers, and the quality of what we sell.”

Johnson added, “They say it is the best thrift shop between Minneapolis and the Canadian border.”

Shoppers range from children to seniors, and includes families trying to make ends meet.

For those who need a little extra help, Tusen Tack offers it. Bring in information from Family Services to receive assistance.

Tusen Tack Thrift Shop is open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pull around to the side of the building with donations, and volunteers will help you unload.

Tusen Tack’s business has grown tremendously over the past few years. Johnson credits it to their lower prices. Moyer believes its because shoppers know the community benefits from all profits.

“It has grown from then to now. It just floors me,” stated Moyer.

Profits from Tusen Tack go to the local police and fire departments, schools, needy people, hospice and more. Plus, Tusen Tack offers a scholarship for students who have worked at the shop.

COMMUNITY CENTER RUN BY VOLUNTEERS

Through an Initiative Foundation sponsored event, community members responded to a survey about what their community was lacking. Top on the list was a community center and grocery store. Tusen Tack agreed to take on the challenge of constructing a 40,000-square-foot community center and running it. With the help of many donors, $100,000 from Tusen Tack, and a $650,000 grant from DEED, the Braham Community Center at 655 8th St. SW was built in 2013. After operating for five years, the DEED grant will be forgiven. Tusen Tack helps subsidize payments when the center doesn’t earn enough on its own through rentals. Visit brahamcenter.org for additional information.

Kathy’s Kitchen, another volunteer group, provides food for events at the center.

The only paid staff at Tusen Tack is a part-time office worker and custodians employed by Industries Incorporated, a nonprofit that supports people with disabilities and other challenges.

Tusen Tack is planning a big celebration in June 2018 to recognize volunteers and donors.

The work of operating Tusen Tack, the event center, and other entities is divided up and assigned to a number of committees.

“It’s a fabulous story,” pointed out Johnson. “Most towns have tried and can’t get this done. It takes a lot of persistence and dedication by a lot of people to get this done.”

A food shelf run by Tusen Tack is open every Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. It is staffed by three volunteers. Another two to three people come from local churches that share duties in a rotation.

Tusen Tack also operates a library housed at the events center. The Alice Studt Library has computers available for public use with Wi-Fi connection and printing services. Visitors can also bring their own laptops to use. A wide selection of books, movies, DVDs and children’s materials is also available from the East Central Minnesota Regional Library Link.

Books clubs, pancake breakfasts, and bingo are among the community events 

held at the center.

“We’re there for the community,” stated Johnson.

 Printed in the 2018 Isanti County Community Guide.