Ellsworth reveals new B-One Yard

  • Published
  • By Maj. Patricia Traynor
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Affectionately called "The B-One Yard," in honor of the B-1B Lancer, the Ellsworth thrift shop recently received a new manager and makeover of its six rooms containing household items for sale.

Open to anyone with a military affiliation, the B-One Yard recycles all profits back into benefiting Ellsworth Airmen and their families.

"For folks who shopped here in the past," said Ellie Taliaferro, wife of 28th Bomb Wing Commander Col. Jeffrey Taliaferro, "this is an all new thrift store -- re-imagined, re-organized, cleaned and with a new staff."

Senior Airman Katrina Hargrave, Air Force Financial Services Center, discovered a "great" find recently: a pair of black boots in nice condition, already broken in.

Cost: $1.50.

"I'm deploying soon," she said. "I want to use them for training, rather than get my new [boots] dirty. They fit, and they're comfortable."

She was in for another "great treat" when she approached the counter to buy the boots. Airman Hargrave saw a "cute, beige sweater coat" for another $1.50.

"This is a great place," Airman Hargrave said. "The people are really nice. I don't live on base, so when I moved out [of the dorms], I could buy all the stuff I needed for the move and to decorate my house. I was also able to get rid of a lot of stuff."

The B-One Yard offers three ways to give:
· Make a donation by just dropping off items.
· Offer items on consignment, where if the item sells, 70 percent of the sales price goes back to the seller and 30 percent goes to the thrift shop.
· Make a financial donation to Babyland.

People may have their items offered on consignment for 90 days. They can then come back to pick up the item, or offer to donate it.

Maria Gabele, volunteer for the past three years and a self-proclaimed "grandma" whose husband is retired, is often one found at the B-One Yard.

"I feel very good when I help someone," she said with a smile, "and I have great people to work with. To see people shopping and happy---to be finding good deals, that is the best--It makes my day. By the time the day is finished, you're feeling really, really good in your heart."

Angela Breyman, a mother of four, whose husband works in the 28th Maintenance Operations Squadron, also volunteers and shops at the B-One Yard.

"It's the place I go just to get out of the house," she said. "When my husband's home, I come in and volunteer. I get excited when I find some specials for my girls."

Recently, Mrs. Breyman was happy to find a $5 Easter dress for her baby girl. She had photos taken in town, and all volunteers who heard the story nodded in agreement that her "baby looked just like a model."

The B-One Yard is closed Wednesdays and weekends, but opens at 9 a.m. the other weekdays, through noon Mondays and Thursdays, and until 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays. It offers several programs geared toward Airmen and families, such as: the Airman's Attic, Up to E-4 program, Babyland and B-One Yard Bucks.

For more information on the programs and credits offered to Airmen in need, the specials offered daily, or to volunteer at the thrift store contact the B-One Yard at (605) 385-5383.