Rummaging Around Thrift Store in Grinnell now serving local and area residents

      Rummaging Around, a new thrift store at 714 4th Ave. in Grinnell, offers a variety of gently used clothing items from toddler to adult, shoes, household items, home decor, jewelry, electronics, small furniture items, knick-knacks, pictures, holiday items, toys, books and much more. The store is under the direction of Deb Van De Krol, right, with the help of Diane Dillon, left, and others not pictured including Julie Hudnut, Courtney Heckman and a host of volunteers. 

By J.O. Parker
     If you are looking to save a few dollars and still have some nice household, clothing, jewelry and other gently used items, check out Rummaging Around, a new thrift store in Grinnell.
     Opened on June 7, 2021, the store is located in the former China Sea Restaurant at 714 4th Ave., directly behind Linder Tire Service.
     The store offers a wide variety of toddler and children’s clothing along with a full array of men and women’s clothing from small to plus sizes.
    There are also shoes, household items, home decor, jewelry, electronics, small furniture items, knick-knacks, pictures, holiday items, toys, books and much more.
     “We have a little bit of everything,” said store manager Deb Van De Krol, a former employee of the Grinnell Goodwill Store.
    The store is owned by Lynn Van De Krol. Assisting Deb in keeping the doors open are Diane Dillon, Julie Hudnut, Courtney Heckman and a host of volunteers.
     “I worked at Goodwill for a little more than four years,” said Deb of managing the store. “I enjoyed the work and meeting the people.”
     When the Goodwill Store closed in March 2020, Deb said she and Lynn talked and decided that Grinnell needed another thrift store.
      “So we came up with Rummaging Around,” Deb said.
     The store is non-profit and is under the guidance of a board of directors. Proceeds from the sale of items in the store benefit local and area charities in Poweshiek County and a portion of Jasper County. 
     The store is currently accepting donations of the above listed items. If you would like to donate items to the store, there is a door in the alley behind the store. Ring the bell and someone will help you.
      “All the items in the store come from donations,” said Deb. “Each item is priced individually.”
     Store hours are Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and on Saturday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. The store phone number is 641-236-0963.
     When asked, Deb said business has been steady since the store opened.
​     “I look forward to getting busier as the word gets out about the store,” she said.