Patty Sullivan, supervising manager of the Hole in the Wall consignment and thrift shop that substantially supports the Guilford ABC program, has a passion for it.
“These girls – our ABC scholars – are lovely ladies who are going to change our world. I want to help them achieve their goals,” she said. Sullivan has been with the shop for eleven years. She credits the prior director, Marge Welsh, for all she knows. “I learned everything from Marge. She was so calm and set a wonderful example.”
Sullivan supervises the group of volunteers and five paid managers who work part-time to oversee the store. Volunteer Joan Simonetti was effusive in her reason for joining the crew there. “Every day is like Christmas. Unique things come in all the time. People are very generous with their donations. It’s such a fun atmosphere here.”
Dove Hellman, an assistant manager has been with the store for four months. “I love Hole in the Wall! It’s my favorite place to find clothing – I started shopping here as a teenager. It’s very friendly, and there are a lot of good deals here.”
Jan vonHolzhausen agrees. “All the people are wonderful. Good spirits here.” Michelle VonDambroski moved to Guilford in 2017 and has been with the store since 2018. “You meet a lot of different people shopping. The managers are very kind. And I found a brand-new pair of golf shoes for just $1.00!” The most unusual item she saw for sale was a bacon press. “I didn’t know what it was actually,” she laughed.
Laura Dagostino has volunteered for two years. “It’s the people,” she said right away. “Things move pretty quickly here. The price is reduced after one month, and then to a dollar a second month after that. The prom dresses are so inexpensive,” she marveled. “And we sold a giant birdcage and two gorgeous chandeliers!”
The store attracts antique dealers and some individuals who buy 30-40 items from the dollar rack to resell. A master list keeps track of the inventory.
At the cash register, Linda Cappiello said she enjoyed “interacting with people and seeing what treasures they have. It’s such a good cause, a good purpose this store.”
Hole in the Wall attracts shoppers from out of town. Volunteers told of visitors from Texas, California, Maine, northern Connecticut, New Zealand and regulars from all points along the shoreline.
“It’s a fun atmosphere,” they all confirmed.
More information with hours the shop is open is found at www.guilfordabc.org/hole-in-the-wall.