Best Kept Secret – Not New Shop
Have you ever had a secret that you wanted everyone to know? I'm talking about the Iowa Lutheran Hospital Auxiliary “Not New Shop”. For 46 years this has been a secret that many people in the Des Moines area still don't know about. When people talk about the Not New Shop, everyone asks, "Where is it?" or "How long has it been around?" The Not New Shop started in May 1975 and was called Penn Thrift. It was located at 1247 Penn Avenue, right across from the east wing of the hospital. Then in November 1975, the Iowa Lutheran Hospital Auxiliary's outlet became Reddy Thrift and moved to a new location at 1304 East Ninth Street. This was approximately one block east from the shop's prior location on Penn Avenue, directly east of Lutheran Hospital. In December of 1980, the shop moved to 717 East University and the name became the Not New Shop. This was space that had housed a tavern and was next to a bicycle shop. Little did they know that in the fall of 1984, the Not New Shop would move to the old service station location at the corner of Penn and University. Then the tavern was torn down and the shop moved into the old bicycle shop! Today, the Not New Shop is proud to be a part of the George Washington Carver Community School Campus, 705 E University Avenue, Suite 300, Des Moines.
The thrift store has quality used clothing for men, women and children. Dishes, toys, furniture, bedding, and other miscellaneous items are also for sale. Proceeds go to support projects and programs at the hospital. The manager is Elizabeth Johnson, who has been there for 18 years. Lead associates are Angie Coleman and Rhene Upchurch. In addition, there are ten wonderful volunteers.
Betty Warwick, who has volunteered at the shop for 12 years, said she gets a great feeling when customers can afford their purchases. "They know they are getting a great bargain for things they need," Betty said. "We even get to know our customers by first name," she added. "Sometimes they pour out their hearts to us with things that are going on in their lives. I tell them I will put them in my daily prayers and to some it brings tears to their eyes."
Donations are accepted during business hours and use Facebook to share sales and new arrival items. If interested in volunteering, call the Volunteer Services Central at Iowa Lutheran Hospital at (515)263-5227. You will find the management staff to be courteous, friendly and dedicated.
Story and photos are from the Iowa Lutheran Hospital Aux-Vol Newsletter and Not New Shop Facebook page.