Assistance League of San Mateo rebounds from pandemic

Its primary funding source for the programming is Turnstyle Thrift Shop, a downtown San Mateo store at 60 N. B St. The thrift shop has been open since 1961 and sells donated merchandise like clothing, household items, jewelry and small furniture pieces at affordable prices. Men’s, women’s and children’s clothing are available at low prices throughout the store, with sales often bringing pricing down to just a few dollars. Annual sales at Turnstyle for the fiscal year ending June 2022 totaled approximately $174,000.

The group held a fashion show Wednesday at its location at 528 N. San Mateo Drive to showcase clothes on sale at Turnstyle and help celebrate the organization. All the clothes are donated and reasonably priced to serve the community. Mary Elizabeth Meissner runs the fashion show and coordinates with members to model during the organization’s board meeting. The event allowed people to customize clothes and show that a fully put-together outfit can be affordable, with outfits on show ranging from $20 to $45.

“Today was about having a meeting and having fun but also celebrating the organization and our volunteers,” Meissner said.

The organization has emerged from the pandemic and serves as a refuge for those in need of its programs. The Assistance League had seen more people come back to shop at Turnstyle since the lifting of most pandemic restrictions when shopping was down.

“It’s been great,” Meissner said. “I think we have really seen a resurgence of everything and people coming in to shop.”

Joann Ames was a model in the show and is a volunteer at Turnstyle every Tuesday. Turnstyle is open Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. She stayed away during the height of the pandemic to reduce exposure for her family but has been back for about a year and has enjoyed her experiences.

“It was really a lot of fun with a great group of people, and we have a wonderful time together,” Ames said.

The organization still needs volunteer help, as some members have been reluctant to return because of the COVID-19 risk. Many members are also getting older, meaning fewer people can work long shifts. The shop used to be open five days a week but is now only open Friday, Saturday and Tuesday, with Tuesday being a half day. Their goal is to bring in younger women with the energy and enthusiasm to give back to the community.

“Our goal is to expand our membership and interest in working in the shops so we can at least have Tuesday be a full shift,” said Margaret McCaffery, chair of the Public Relations Committee Board.

curtis@smdailyjournal.com

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