Bigbee Humane thrift store in jeopardy

Located on North Walnut Street, the Bigbee Humane Society thrift store is open every Friday and Saturday morning to bargain hunters looking for unique items.

For almost five years the Bigbee Humane Society has fed its dogs from the proceeds of the store. That income is in jeopardy with the notice that the society must vacate the building.

Kathy Wilson, secretary, said the society’s benefactor had a long-term lease on the property but decided not to renew it. The society had been paying only the water and electricity.

“The owner said it would not be available for us to rent,” said Wilson. “He said he had another tenant.”

Bigbee’s officers have given themselves one month to find another location, if possible. They are looking for another site for next to no cost.

“The ideal thing would be the same situation, a building owner that would let us use it for (the cost of) utilities,” said Wilson.

The society is a non-profit organization, which means the rent could be tax deductible for the building’s owner, she continued.

In the meantime, the group is having a terrific sale “to reduce the amount of things we‘ll have to move,” said Wilson.

Thrift store sales pay for the $300 cost of dog food each week. Donations help pay for utilities, veterinary bills and other expenses, said Wilson, which amounts to another $300 each week.

“Without the thrift store we are going to be significantly strapped,” she said. The consequences of that could be closing the shelter or being unable to accept as many animals as the group does now.

Anyone wishing to help the society either through a new location or cash donations can call Wilson at 334-216-1029, or Virginia Overstreet, treasurer, at 289-4049