East Rockaway vets have a thrifty idea

After developing an interest in “thrifting,” Quartermaster Pat Iuliucci decided to start a thrift shop at his East Rockaway VFW Post 3350 this July, which would help generate revenue to continue to provide support to veterans and their families.

“We can’t get funding anywhere else, so we have to learn how to fund for ourselves,” Iuliucci said.

The VFW’s main source of income is their hall rentals, which Iuliucci said isn’t consistent. He said he hoped the indoor thrift shop would make the hall more accessible to the community throughout the year. All the money the VFW generates is poured back into the veterans’ community, through donating clothes, food, water, donating to hospitals, and sending goods to active military personnel overseas. “We can’t keep putting money out without money coming in,” Iuliucci said.

Old house wares, knickknacks, non-perishable foods and furniture can be donated to the VFW ahead of the thrift shop’s opening, and Iuliucci said he has already began collecting items. He recalled a recent trip he took with VFW’s commander, Stephen Owen, to Northport, during which a set of folding chairs alongside the curb caught his eye.
“I slammed on the breaks,” he said with a laugh. “He was like, ‘What are you doing?!’” He began collecting items for the VFW recently, acquiring old tables, shelves, medical supplies and clothes to donate. He added that the opening of the thrift shop was the logical next step.

“People are throwing out stuff that we can use,” he said. “I’m not particular … donate anything you want. If we have to come and get it, we’ll come and get it.”

Another major expense for the VFW is funeral care, Iuliucci explained, since the organization will often provide prayer books and American flags for fallen veterans. About 10 members of the East Rockaway VFW died just this year, he said.

The thrift shop is scheduled to open on July 5, and will run weekly Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donations can be dropped off at the post, located at 164 Main St. in East Rockaway, preferably in the morning hours. For more information call (516) 887-8170 or visit www.vfwpost3350.org.

“We’re here, the lights are burning,” Iuliucci said. “Let’s make use of it! It’s our place. What better use can you do than something like that?”