B-One Yard helps Airmen save money

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jarad A. Denton
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Airmen looking for household items and clothing can now scan the shelves and racks of the B -One Yard thrift and consignment shop, which recently reopened.
 
The B-One Yard closed in June in order to reorganize and make improvements to the facility. 

"People were asking us all summer when we were going to reopen," said Regan Porter, B-One Yard manager. "They were leaving donations piled up against our door." 

The 28th Bomb Wing Officer Spouses Committee operates the B-One Yard; proceeds from donations and sales go toward keeping the shop open, while the remaining funds are cycled back into the military community to help Airmen and their families. 

The spirit of giving is part of the mission of the B-One Yard, said Ms. Porter. It offers base personnel a chance to donate or sell their unwanted items, which can then be bought by people at a reduced price. Airmen with significant needs can also request a voucher for store items through the Airman and Family Readiness Center. 

"I was able to get my dining and coffee table for my house at a really great price," said Airman 1st Class Anthony Sanchelli, 28th Bomb Wing public affairs photographer. "It's really helped me settle in." 

In addition to furniture, new parents shopping at the B-One Yard may view a newly stocked section called "Baby Land." 

The monetary donations we receive go towards stocking Baby Land with the essentials parents need when caring for their child, said Ms. Porter. Anyone with a Department of Defense identification card can come in twice a month and select up to five diapers, five juice or food bottles, one can of formula and two miscellaneous items. 

"We understand it can be hard to get these items," said Ms. Porter. "Which is why we're doing all we can to help." 

People looking to sell items through the B-One Yard can expect to make 70 percent of whatever profit the shop takes in. If someone chooses to donate to the B-One Yard they can drop the items off where the volunteer staff will processes the donations and stock them in the shop. 

"I think the military community really appreciates what we're doing here," said Mari Luz Gavle, B-One Yard volunteer. "They can come in and shop just like at a regular department store." 

The B-One Yard is open Monday and Thursday 9 a.m. to noon, Tuesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is closed Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. 

For more information about the B-One Yard, call (605) 385-5383.