Dell Thrift and Pantry, a student-run initiative previously located in Hundley Hall, has reopened in Drysdale Student Center. The thrift store and food pantry, open to all University students, faculty, and staff, and is now operating in rooms 127 and 132, on the first floor of Drysdale.
A grand reopening for the new space was held on Friday, Nov. 8. The Thrift’s new hours are 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. It will be closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays and weekends for cleanup, restocking, and organization.
Items needed — nonperishable food and new or gently worn clothing and shoes — can be donated at the Thrift. No undergarments, swimsuits, home decor, electronics, appliances, or linens are accepted.
The Thrift operates through a collaborative effort with student leaders across multiple clubs and organizations such as Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity, the Student Activities Board, the Student Government Association, Campus Engagement, and others.
“We’ve been working closely with [APO], who has been assisting heavily with the task of getting the Thrift in shape,” Liah Ballou ’27, the shop’s student director, said in late October.
She added that volunteers have been “helping with sorting, washing, drying, and hanging clothes,” picking up food for the pantry, and “working … on getting the many bags full of clothes washed before our opening date.”
Gretchen Cline, project advisor and assistant director of Campus Engagement, described Dell Thrift and Pantry as a “wonderful, purpose-driven initiative that the students have been invested in.”
She added, “The cross-pollinating of campus clubs and organizations to get Dell Thrift operational has enabled students to lead together and create lasting connections they may not have otherwise had the opportunity to do.
“This has been an exciting aspect of the project.”
Ballou, who came to Lynchburg from Halifax, Virginia, has used the Thrift herself. “As a student, with all the fees and expenses that come with college, it was hard to do school shopping along with those things,” she said.
“I occasionally went down to grab a couple T-shirts and/or dresses, when it became warm again. The Thrift has been very helpful to me, especially throughout the winter last year when I almost had to go without a jacket.
“At Dell Thrift we support those who may feel insecure about their need for clothing and food. So, not only can people access the items they need, but they’re also able to do it without judgment.
“College life is hard. I think it’s important for students to have a location where they can safely and easily access clothing and food for free.”
For more information or to donate or volunteer, contact Ballou at ballouq793@lynchburg.edu or Cline at cline_g@lynchburg.edu.
