Monday, 8/11/97 Fake Furs & Fugitives THRIFT STORE: At the
UCLA Thrift store, you can buy anything from Johnny Carson’s suit,
to a home brewing kit, and all proceeds go to Med Center
patients.
By Matt Grace Daily Bruin Contributor The people of West Los
Angeles have a secret. In the brick-laden disguise of an old
brewery, a group of volunteers are turning straw into gold. "Follow
me," whispers manager Susan Pearson, before revealing a room filled
with gold and silver serving dishes. For the last 40 years, the
UCLA Thrift Shop has quietly collected treasures donated from the
community, raising money for the Medical Center and helping needy
families. "You never know what’s going to come in here," Pearson
said. "Fur coats, bicycles, trampolines … " Nicknamed "the
Neiman-Marcus of thrift stores," this organization run by the
Medical Auxiliary boasts an unusual array of goods and people.
"People come in here because they want quality stuff," Pearson
explained. "We only sell really good stuff." Home-brewing kits,
racks of oversized clothes from an NFL star, one-of-a-kind movie
scripts and kitchen sinks are scattered throughout the store. The
crew of customers are as motley as the store’s goods. Ron
"Noodleman" Carter, who says he is a "wanted fugitive," has been
traveling across the country, escaping the law and seeking thrift
stores for limited-edition books. An artist dressed only in his
boxers and giving his name only as Patrick, wandered around in
search of some new clothes. He comes regularly to the store to
check out the extensive selection of designer suits. "I once found
a suit that was Johnny Carson’s," Patrick boasted as he waded
through the racks. "It has become an addiction, the prices are
great and it’s fun," said Kathy Herzog, another frequent shopper
and a resident of West Los Angeles. She likes the higher quality of
the "classy junk" at the store. Some customers shop without shame,
like a recent customer who walked in wearing his birthday suit.
Other people, however, wish to remain anonymous in their quest for
a bargain. "It’s like a character study," said Ann Levine, a
91-year-old volunteer who loves dealing with the range of
personalities that filters through the store. For more than 60
years, Levine has volunteered in thrift stores, helping the
community while building lasting friendships. Ruth Jacobs
volunteers despite having retired several years ago. She loves the
atmosphere, the people and the cause. "We are doing something
worthwhile," Jacobs said. "It’s sort of my therapy." Purchases made
at the thrift store provide funds for UCLA Medical Center patients
unable to afford treatment. The Medical Center Gift Shop and the
thrift store raised $250,000 last year for the Medical Auxiliary,
said Pearson. "The Medical Auxiliary is a board of trustees that
decide where the money goes," Pearson explained. "From our
fund-raisers we make grants to the hospital," said Maddie Katz,
auxiliary president. In the past year, the auxiliary donated
$100,000 to the Tiverton House, which provides housing and support
for people with families in the hospital. They also financed
parties for children with cancer, bought a much-needed ambulance,
and backed a hospital program that brings dogs into the hospital to
play with bed-ridden children. "It makes such a difference with the
patients," Katz said. This would not be possible if not for the
thrift store’s demand for quality, which results in high profits,
Katz said. Items that do not meet store standards are passed onto
"less discriminating" second-hand stores. Furthermore, celebrity
clientele and UCLA alumni consistently donate to the store. Not
only do they receive tax deductions, but they help the community
and the hospital. Pearson’s only worry is the lack of student
shoppers. "I don’t think students know about the store," Pearson
said. "I’d like to see more students." The store hopes to draw more
loyal customers, including students, with their fall sale held on
Aug. 12. Excited by the idea of increased customers, she created a
10 percent student discount on the spot during an interview. "You
see, I can do that," laughed Pearson. The UCLA Thrift Shop is
located on the corner of Sawtelle and Massachusetts. Photos by
PATRICK LAM/Daily Bruin A stuffed bear rests along a back wall
(middle) while a beer-making machine sits on the floor (bottom) of
the UCLA Thrift Store, located at the corner of Sawtelle and
Massachusetts (top). The store sells high-quality goods donated by
the community to raise money for the Med Center and to help needy
families.