Written by Matt Richardson
Photography by Matt Richardson

ow far will a dollar go these days? If you have filled up your gas tank or bought groceries lately, you might think, “not far at all,” but then again you would only be partly correct. There are some places where the value of a dollar is still felt – and its impact can have lifelong benefits. When is the last time you made a difference like that, for so little?

This year, a Bluffton institution begins its 20th year of service to our community. In May of 1989, the Calhoun Station thrift shop was founded and since then it has grown into a non-profit organization with many competitors and few parallels. Established in the old service station on the corner of Bridge and Calhoun Streets, Calhoun Station was a name that suited and one that still harkens back to a quieter and less complicated Bluffton. Founded by Jan Cantrell, Judy Kerr and Ann Lafitte, the goal was to provide a charity thrift shop for the Bluffton community that would be entirely volunteer-run and self-sufficient. Volunteers were sought, a board formed and soon the old service station was filled with gently used second-hand clothing and an open door to those in need or who just enjoyed the screams pennies made when sufficiently pinched.

Over the years, Calhoun Station steadily outgrew its location and expanded the number and type of items that it could carry. Within a few years it had moved from the old service station to a space behind the current town hall, where even now it seems to burst at the seams as if it might soon flood the municipal halls with bargain-priced clothing, home goods and bric-a-brac.

Ms Jean Lee met me at the entrance of Calhoun Station and introduced me to the all-volunteer staff. This cheerful, colorful group of ladies was busy sorting and arranging clothing and other items with a graceful efficiency that spoke of a mixture of Southern charm and Yankee know-how. Indeed, as names came out and smiles shared, it became clear that this was Bluffton old and new represented between the racks of clothing and sporting goods. Long-time resident Ms Margaret Heyward cracked wry little jokes with twinkling eyes while relative newcomer Ms Helen Glenn happily arranged freshly steamed shirts with a studied determination. All around me a bright conversation flowed with accents from north and south of the Mason Dixon, but one heart toward the betterment of our little Lowcountry town.

I met Ms Pat Mayes, spelled with an “e”, and Ms Eva Lynn with a delicate smile. Ms Linda Collins paused from steaming shirts to greet me and in another room Ms Patricia Arnao deftly arranged plush toys while Ms Stella Messineo folded sweaters into neat stacks. Lastly, I met Ms Terry Rice, a board member and volunteer as well. Terry’s eye for detail and retail acumen directed the arrangement of many racks of clothing and merchandise in the relatively small space. The result was an appealing showroom that bespoke of order from chaos, quite the contrast from the general image one may have of the average thrift shop.

But Calhoun Station is anything but the average thrift shop. According to Jim Pervier, treasurer of the organization for the past ten years, as of May 2008, Calhoun Station has made and given approximately $1,217,392 to local charitable organizations. This little store in historic downtown Bluffton is indeed making a difference.

A short talk with Ms Carol Cahill, president of the Calhoun Station organization revealed some of the reasons for their success. “We are all volunteers,” she said. “Our volunteers are loyal and hard working. Many other local thrift stores are run by paid staff, but most of us have full-time jobs doing other things in the community.” Indeed, over the past decade many more thrift stores have popped up around town, providing opportunity for many, but also competition to Calhoun Station. Located downtown and away from 278, the station has to work hard to raise awareness of their location. Recently, the town granted the Station the right to stay in their present location on Pritchard Street. This both ensures the future of the store and a ready source of bargains and charity in the middle of our little coastal town.

While I was at the store, a young man arrived with several bags of clothing to donate. All around me, the volunteers sprang into action. Ms Lee welcomed him and provided a receipt for his donation to include on his tax return. Others began to sort the clothing and through it all the lively conversation rose like a morning mist on the May River. Within a few minutes he was gone, receipt in hand and a smile on his face, while at the Station the work went on.

As it always does.

Visit Calhoun Station at 77 Pritchard Street, downtown Bluffton. Hours are 10-1 on Wednesday and Saturday. Call 843-757-5191 for more info.