Tucson's Salpointe Thrift Shop closes after 4 decades

The iconic Salpointe Thrift Shop — which opened as the Salpointe Catholic High School Gift and Thrift Shop more than 40 years ago — closed its doors for the final time last week.

Uncertainty about the future of the facility and a volunteer base ready to turn the page to a new chapter are contributing factors in the close of the nonprofit at 1705 E. Fort Lowell Road.

Hallmarked by a rich history, the shop has supplied a diverse inventory of books, school uniforms, appliances, home goods, furniture, clothing, jewelry, and basic needs to those of all cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. Donations have included eclectic items such as vehicles, a sailboat, trampolines, saddles and even dentures.

Started in 1983 an initiative to provide tuition for Salpointe students in need, it was the brainchild of then-Principal Father “Frank” McCarthy, O. Carm., and the PEACE Club (Parents Encouraging A Catholic Education) that was led by Judy Ovitt and Boo Kurtin. Charlotte Harris was another supporter.

“We begged and borrowed and asked everyone we knew for racks and hangers and supplies and then we raided our closets and told all of our friends to donate,” said Ovitt, whose daughters attended Salpointe at the time.

The store was manned by an all-volunteer staff that has been primarily led by Ree Garigan and Sandra Velasquez for four decades.

Proceeds have averaged about $40,000 annually, funding everything from scholarships, curriculum, and student needs to school improvements such as fire doors, sporting equipment and other operating expenses.

The funds have been life-changing for many students and the budget-priced inventory has impacted countless low-income and homeless individuals and families, according to Kay Sullivan, President of Salpointe.

“We are so grateful for the many years of leadership and service provided by Ree and Sandra and the many dedicated volunteers who have loyally and generously given of their time, talent and treasure. Their passion for Salpointe, for merchandising and retailing, for enticing curious second-hand-market shoppers, and for meeting the needs of Tucson’s underserved populations has been an unparalleled gift to our Southern Arizona community for more than 40 years,” said Sullivan.

For Garigan, a 1969 Salpointe grad whose children and grandchildren are also alumni, the mission has been personal. She has volunteered at the shop nearly every Thursday since 1986.

“I have loved being part of it. I knew the money was going to the school and we just love Salpointe. My husband and I are graduates — we went to prom together — and it has been a great community. To know that we helped to contribute in a small way — and to see the kids that we helped to provide scholarships for — always made me feel good,” Garigan said.

She emphasized that the shop manifested Salpointe’s ministerial mission to serve the less fortunate. Many customers who were considered “regulars” shopped to meet basic needs of their families. Students looking for uniforms, clothing and books frequented the shop as did job-seekers in search of clothing for interviews. Homeless people came in for socks, coats and other necessities.

“This was a way for Salpointe to reach out and help people in need. It was an example of our mission to serve others … we talk about doing good in the world and this is a tangible example of how Salpointe has done that,” said Jen Harris, Director of Advancement for Salpointe.

Garigan said that service often involved caring for the poorest in the community.

“We often had homeless people on the front porch and we fed them and gave them shoes, clothing and blankets. In the store, if I saw them putting something under their shirt, I said, ‘It’s OK. You can have what you want, but don’t steal. We are happy to give it to you if you ask,’” Garigan said.

That spirit of giving extended to low-income clients of all ages, according to Velasquez, who began coordinating the volunteer schedule 30 years ago.

She frequently let shoppers take items home with a promise that they would return later to pay.

“We told people, ‘When you have money, bring it in’ and at least 60 percent of them would come back and pay. People are good,” Velasquez said.

The diverse clientele also included those in search of unique gifts, antique treasures, upscale clothing and brand-new items.

“We never had a lack of donations. We got so many nice things. People were so generous to us. I think they wanted to help give back,” said Garigan.

Ultimately, giving back was also positive for the volunteers, according to Velasquez, whose involvement began when her son, Manuel, was a Salpointe student. She believes the volunteerism and social interaction was beneficial on multiple levels.

“Some were depressed and we helped them. We were always laughing and joking. We put them to work, and they got better. Some even learned to speak Spanish. It was a very special little community and people enjoyed it,” she said.

Since the beginning, the effort has also been a family affair for many of those involved. Ovitt, Kurtin and other volunteers originally recruited their husbands, children and other family members to help with set-up of the shop, donation collection and more.

Like her predecessors, Velasquez enlisted her husband. Manuel Velasquez Jr. began regularly assisting with pick-up of large donations including furniture and appliances.

“He drove the truck and was doing the heavy lifting and loved visiting the ladies in the back room who organized and priced items. He enjoyed talking with everyone who came in,” she said.

As volunteers cleared out the remaining clothing, display cases and other items from the shop, Velasquez encouraged them to extend their hands to other local nonprofits.

“Many of the volunteers are sad, but I say to look somewhere else. There are so many places that need volunteers to help the less fortunate. We had a community of good people here, and there are others out there,” Velasquez said.