Good Shepherd Lutheran Thrift Store in Wright City is having a summer clearance sale.Instead of $1 for a summer clothing item, shoppers will pay just 50 cents.“We’re trying to get rid of our summer stuff now,” said John Nadler, a volunteer who manages the store.Nadler said customers love the bargains.John’s mother, Jane Nadler, has volunteered at the thrift store almost as long as the store has been open.“We’ve got the best prices in town,” she said.The volunteers there would know because the Good Shepherd Lutheran Thrift Store is quietly recognizing the store’s 30th anniversary. Jane said there won’t be any anniversary events. Rather, they just want people to know they are still here, serving the community.Jane said the store opened Sept. 30, 1988. It was founded by two Lutheran pastors, the Rev. Lloyd Hackbarth and the Rev. Donald Langhoff. Lillian Mauch was the first coordinator.After a couple of years they outgrew the first space and moved into a former lumberyard just over the railroad tracks at 101 South Elm at East South First Street. That’s where the store remains, along with the benefactor of the thrift store’s profits: Good Shepherd Lutheran Child Care Center.The child care center opened in 1993. It has space for 40 children, ages 12 months to 10 years old. The preschool-aged kids have a curriculum that prepares them for kindergarten.Manager Steffany Cullom started working there 18 years ago. Cullom said because the thrift store and child care center are mission services, they keep prices low.“We work together and strive to provide services for the community at lower prices,” said Cullom.There is a day care charge, but it is lower than average. The center operates on those funds as well as with the help they receive from the thrift store.“The thrift store, they’re all angels. They believed in what the day care center was doing and they’ve sustained that for all these years,” said Cullom.While clothing at low prices attracts customers, people also come in for other items. The thrift store sells furniture, home goods, small appliances.Patrons will not find food, televisions or large appliances.Shopping hours are limited. It’s open from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.“On a Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, in five hours, we’ll have up to 100 customers,” John said. “It’s local people, Wright City, Warrenton, Wentzville...”Donors come from the same area. Things that are in good condition go to the sales floor.John added that sales are cash only. If you have a debit card, “use it to get cash at the bank and then come here,” he said.For more information about the Good Shepherd Lutheran Thrift Store, call 636-745-2947.

Jane Nadler, a volunteer at Good Shepherd Lutheran Thrift Store, said workers try to keep all the clothing organized by size. 

Record photo/Kate Miller

John Nadler, left, and Pat Schindler behind the sales counter. Nadler manages the Good Shepherd Lutheran Thrift Store. Schindler has volunteered there for 25 years. 

Record photo/Kate Miller