Relief society adds new thrift shop at Marine Corps base in Japan to its roster

Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni, located near Hiroshima, Japan, is buzzing with excitement as its thrift shop has reopened after a nine-month closure. This shop, which serves as an essential resource for service members and their families, is now managed by the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS). The reopening symbolizes a fresh start for the base community and a renewed commitment to helping those who serve.

A Fresh Start for the Thrift Shop

The journey to reopening the thrift shop was spearheaded by Sgt. Maj. Jody Armentrout, the senior enlisted Marine at MCAS Iwakuni. In August, he contacted Christina Grantham, the NMCRS director on base, to discuss how they could revive the store. Grantham quickly got to work, focusing on creating a shop that would thrive for years to come. “We needed to ensure that this would be sustainable and helpful for our community,” said Armentrout during the shop’s grand reopening.

The thrift shop plays a vital role in daily life on the base. It provides affordable, gently used clothing, household items, and appliances for service members and their families. This effort not only saves money but also promotes recycling and reduces waste by giving items a second life. NMCRS thrift shops like this one operate at other military bases, such as Sasebo, Yokosuka, and Pearl Harbor, providing a network of support across the military community.

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Overcoming Obstacles Together

Reopening the shop wasn’t easy. The store was empty and had no inventory when the planning began. However, the community came together to meet the challenge. A team of 28 volunteers worked tirelessly, and the Sasebo thrift shop generously donated starter merchandise to help stock the shelves.

The hard work paid off, and the shop was ready to open before Christmas. At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Col. Richard Rusnok, the base commander, applauded the team for their determination. “This thrift shop is more than just a store; it’s a symbol of community care,” he said. Rusnok emphasized that the shop’s work reduces waste while supporting those stationed at MCAS Iwakuni.

More Than Just a Store

Under the management of NMCRS, the thrift shop has a clear mission: to serve the community and support the broader goals of the society. NMCRS is known for its outstanding charity work, including providing $50 million in financial assistance to service members last year. Every dollar spent at the thrift shop will go toward supporting NMCRS programs, ensuring the funds directly benefit service members and their families.

Grantham hopes the shop will become a place where people connect, share, and find what they need. She envisions it as a hub for community engagement where donated items can find new homes. “This is not just about selling things; it’s about helping people and making a difference,” she explained.