East Rockaway VFW opens thrift shop to help with financial struggles

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With veterans organizations being among the many local community groups struggling financially amid the coronavirus pandemic, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3350 in East Rockaway has launched its Veterans’ Thrift Shop.

The post, at 164 Main St., has been sanitized and continues to follow all of health and safety mandates. Additionally, members of the post are continuing to collect nonperishable foods for the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency in East Meadow. The thrift shop offers the community a chance to step outdoors safely and visit the post without having to travel far.

The store offers household products, collectibles, sporting goods, linens and new or slightly used men’s and women’s clothing at a reasonable price. Pat Iuliucci said the post is starting to book parties of up to 50 people, and, as mandated by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, no DJs are allowed at this time, temperature reading of all guests entering the building is required and recorded for contact tracing purposes only, social distancing of patrons is enforced and tables are organized six feet apart from one another. Masks are also required for all patrons.

Due to the pandemic, the store’s schedule varies, but members are trying to open daily, including Sundays. For thrift shop information and hall rentals, call the post at (516) 887-8170, and ask for Pat, Gary, Tony or Gene.

The VFW meets every second Tuesday night at 7 p.m., and the Auxiliary meets the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. Anyone looking to join the VFW or the VFW Auxiliary can come to one of the post’s meetings, or call ahead.

 

Courtesy VFW Post 3350; compiled by Mike Smollins