JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Beginning Nov. 1, the Fort Richardson Thrift Shop at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, implemented new hours of operation; Tuesday and Thursday hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the Warrior Wednesday Program’s hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Warrior Program will still continue to offer both active duty and retired families, E-5 and below a $50 monthly credit, which is then spilt into $25 clothing and $25 household item credits. This credit cannot be carried over to the next month but can be used in conjunction with other incentive programs such as the $10 Brown Bag fill-up.
“The biggest change affecting the program is that it can only be accessed on Wednesdays, while before, it could be used any day we were open,” said Jo Rachow, Fort Richardson Thrift Shop manager. “In an effort to provide a better-quality program for our patrons, we decided to consolidate the program and extend the hours. We want to make sure customers and volunteers are able to meet their current needs.”
Since the shop’s debut in the 1950s the thrift shop has experienced numerous changes in location, programs, and recently in 2015, management. Currently, the non-profit store is managed by the Richardson’s Spouses Club and mostly run by volunteers.
“Our main goal is meeting the needs of everyone in our JBER community by providing a place for them to access the things they need or want for a fraction of the price,” Rachow said. “We are a non-profit organization – 100 percent of the proceeds from this store go straight back into local charities and programs benefitting service members and community. Warrior Wednesday gives us the opportunity to witness our program benefitting them directly on a weekly basis.”
The store is open to all branches of active duty, the National Guard, Reserves, retired military personnel, their dependents, and anyone with access to JBER.
“If you are on a budget and need to shop, this is the perfect place to come,” said Melody Undiener, wife of U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Johnathan Undiener, a 732d Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief. “Living in Alaska is very expensive, additionally, having young children who are growing superfast can be costly. This store is one of the first places I come to, and when I can, I always seem to find things we need.”
For information about the Fort Richardson Thrift Shop, visit www.facebook.com/Ft-Richardson-Thrift-Shop-JBER or call 384-7000 during normal operating hours.