By Nikki Deckon
The Resale Store
Have you ever wondered who pays for Friendsview events like the Mother’s Day Tea or Education Committee speakers? Or how the Hess Creek Canyon could afford newly paved trails, plants, and tools? I recently asked the same question, and the answer surprised me.
Much of that support comes from the Friendsview Resale Store, tucked away on the lower level of the Manor. When a resident donates or purchases anything from the Resale Store, those funds help ensure that dozens of Friendsview committees and interest groups thrive.
During a recent conversation with co-chair Shirley Wilson, I learned the Resale Store serves a much bigger purpose than simply selling donated items. In fact, it has a fivefold mission that reflects the heart of our community.
The Fivefold Purpose
To Help Friendsview Residents Downsize
Sorting through belongings when downsizing can be overwhelming. The Resale Store offers residents a simple and meaningful way to pass treasured items along to others who will appreciate them.
While organizations like Goodwill Industries also accept donations, the Resale Store is unique because every dollar stays within the Friendsview community. As a not-for-profit, it keeps prices reasonable too, which brings us to our next purpose.
To Enable Residents and Staff to Purchase Items at Low Prices
As an employee at Friendsview, this has helped my own family! As my adult children launched, they discovered great, inexpensive furniture and household items that made their new apartments feel like homes. When you are a new graduate, or even a current student at GFU, an item priced with the consumer in mind makes a difference too. Though, it’s not just for staff and local students. Residents find collectibles to cherish, all at affordable prices.
The three garage sales are additional opportunities for staff, residents, and the community to find deals. All GFU students receive a 50% discount providing an inexpensive way to create cozy dorm rooms. And everyone gets to enjoy significantly reduced prices near the end of each garage sale.
To Provide Meaningful Work and Opportunity to Connect with Like-Minded Residents
One of the most inspiring purposes of the Resale Store is the opportunity it provides for connection and service.
In 2025, 57 dedicated volunteers helped sort, price, organize, photocopy, stock shelves, and keep the store running smoothly. During garage sale weekends, another 190 volunteers joined in to help. It’s a wonderful example of the Friendsview community coming together with shared purpose and friendship.
To Fund Resident Activities and Projects that Enrich the Lives of Friendsview Residents
At the beginning of this blog, I mentioned different committees. The store is the financial foundation for these groups and dozens of others. In 2025, the Resale Store raised $67,810.96 for the Resident Council and committees. That number represents far more than the dollars raised. It is evidence that residents and staff are thriving through activities and community even when it feels like the world is in a massive downward spiral. On a lighter note, it also means that when I’m shopping, I am showing my support for the groups that bring residents connection, learning, and joy. Even if it’s only $2.99 at a time.
To Recycle, Reuse, and Repurpose Furniture, Clothing, and Household Items
Finally, the Resale Store encourages sustainability by giving furniture, clothing, books, and household items a second life. Most of the items that don’t sell in the store or at garage sales go to local nonprofits.
There’s something comforting about knowing treasured belongings continue to be useful and appreciated rather than discarded. It’s a small but meaningful way the Friendsview community cares for the environment while caring for one another.
How You Can Help
The Resale Store is open five days a week:
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 9–11 a.m.
- Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 1–3 p.m.
The store also hosts three garage sales each year; all made possible through the dedication of volunteers.
If you would like to get involved, there are many ways to help:
- Packing excess clothing and books for garage sale storage (1–2 hours per month)
- Assisting with monthly billing (1–2 hours per month)
- Event planning for trainings, celebrations, pop-up sales & work parties
- Processing incoming estate donations
- Cashiering or bagging in the Resale Store
- Pricing donated items (with an experienced team member)
- Keeping the books and/or cards organized
Training is provided for every role!
You can even invite a friend to volunteer alongside you and experience the Resale Store together.
Whether you support the store through volunteering an hour or two per month, donating, or simply browsing the shelves, every contribution helps strengthen the Friendsview community. And along the way, you might just discover a hidden treasure or a new friendship.
To learn more about the Resale Store or volunteer opportunities, contact Sue Pruitt at 503-314-9915 or Shirley Wilson at 503-964-8550.
