It was back in the early 1960’s when the Bargain Bin of Paulding County began as a rummage sale in the back businesses. That’s right – it’s been serving Paulding County for over 50 years. What does this store do? Of course, you get great items at very good prices, but did you know that all profit goes to helping acquire new equipment at Paulding County Hospital? It helps to keep the hospital up to date on its needs of serving the community.
On Thursday, February 2 the community came together to perform the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new location of the Bargain Bin. It had been in the previous building, known as the Blue Cafe, since the 1970’s and has outgrown the facility.
Rhonda Smalley, President, had a hard time holding back the emotions with all of the history here. She brought up Eileen Kochensparger to hold the invocation. Rhonda then introduced all of the officers of the Bargain Bin: Rose Munger, VP; Elaine Gress, Second VP; Eileen Kochensparger, Secretary; Donna Pieper, Treasurer; Eleanor Brune, Assistant Treasurer; Sharon Johanns, Assistant Secretary; and Rhonda Smalley, President.
President Smalley said that nearly four years ago they were in a meeting and just realized how much they needed something else—not only to boost spirits, but because the building was just so run down. At the January 2014 meeting funds were approved to do some fixing up, but when the bids came back they realized $5000 wasn’t going to go very far. In the previous meeting they decided to pray after Eileen suggested what miracles can do.
In March 2014 the CEO of Paulding County Hospital called and said a phone call came in wanting to give an anonymous donation to the Bargain Bin. Wow! Talk about an answered prayer! $80,000 was a great help. It also introduced the possibility to build what was needed rather than retrofit a 100 year old run-down structure. An account was opened up with the Paulding County Area Foundation with Lisa McClure overseeing the accounts and accepting donations. Property could be pricey around the area and they found two logs behind the hold jail. It was great and the Paulding County Commissioners made a great offer to sell both for a small fee of $5,000. Excellent, that could be afforded.
Rhonda was headed home to tell the others how great the deal was when she got a call from Lisa, “You don’t have to pay for those lots,” she continued, “It’s already been paid for by another anonymous donation!” Another miracle!
McDonald Design and Build was selected as the contractor to complete the building 60×80 steel structure that was eventually decided upon. Other local companies that worked on the building included Kauser Trucking and Schweller Electric.
Monies from all over were collected: raffle tickets, donations, baked potato bars, Knights of Columbus and many more.
David Burtch, stepping in for Peggy Emerson representing the Paulding Chamber of Commerce, showed what all had been done through the Chamber to facilitate the ribbon cutting. Businesses and County Government officials were on hand to welcome the addition of the newly expanded location.
Donations from all over continue to come in: Sears, Napa—Tony Burkley, Paulding County Hospital. They have donated shelving, desks and much more. Rhonda is just so amazed of the generosity of our community.
Rhonda Smalley with Susan Gillen Cole for the Opening!
This all started with a story of a 9-month old baby contracting polio in 1952—Susan Gillen Cole. Her grandmother cared and loved her very much and realized that care for polio required so much more than just a one time treatment.
She would have to be raised far away at the Roosevelt Center in Georgia having her treatments. Susan Gillen Cole was at the ribbon cutting on this day and gave her thoughts sharing what it was like to have so many people care for her in that time of difficulty.
The Bargain Bin’s humble beginnings would come from this with many more polio victims being able to have treatments. Before the first building being purchased by the Hospital, The volunteers would have sales in the back of businesses and parking lots.
Today there are about 25 active volunteers working at this facility and more are needed. There are still ($35,000) funds needed to finish paying off the building, but it doesn’t look like it will take that long to fulfill the note. If you want to contribute, please mail to 121 South Cherry St, Paulding OH 45879.
The hospital actually owned the previous building and will be giving the old structure to the Bargain Bin of Paulding County Inc. and they will be able to sell it for whatever purpose they choose. The hospital will no longer have to worry about insurance or other payments.
Following the ribbon cutting, a dinner and cake was shared by all who were there to celebrate!
Stop in and see one of the great community charitable causes today!
