Arcadia Welfare & Thrift celebrated its 80th anniversary with a ribbon-cutting and Arcadia Chamber of Commerce Business Mixer at the Thrfit Shop at 323 N. First Avenue Thursday evening, May 24.
Mayor Bob Harbicht, legislative representatives, and Chamber President-Elect Arlynn Robinson of Century 21 Earll presented certificates of congratulations and Councilmember Gary Kovacic presented a check donated from proceeds from the recent Mayor’s breakfast.
The dozens of attendees then enjoyed lots of great food prepared by Terry Totten, Lee Segal & other Welfare & Thrift volunteers, and many became winners of raffle prizes donated by many local businesses.Terry and Trace Totten gave away Dodgers tickets for two separate games valued at about $250 per game, one of which was won by Mayor Habicht. Arcadia Welfare & Thrift donated a lovely brooch and a scarf. Jan’s Towing provided two large decorative cooler bags.
Click here to see a photo gallery at the Arcadia Chamber web site and watch for updates for more celebrations being held to honor this organization and all they do for the community. You may help by donating quality items you no longer need, shopping at the store, encouraging your children to participate in the annual canned food drive and/or giving a cash donation to the White Christmas program.
The unique thrift shop, founded in 1932 by a group of Arcadia teachers and at this location for more than 30 years, offers bargains and treasures on everything from furniture to nearly new clothes, all priced at $1 and up. Sales support the homeless and people in need of assistance in Arcadia. The Arcadia Welfare and Thrift offers the annual White Christmas program that collects and donates to the needy. The group has a department that offers food, water and blankets to the homeless. For more information, contact 626.447.2881
— By Scott Hettrick