MARION — Balloons, cupcakes and unbeatable prices were aplenty at the Marion Congregational Church’s Penny Pinchers Exchange on Saturday, Sept. 14.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the thrift shop that is run by volunteer members of the church.

For the special occasion, all items in the shop, which includes clothing, glassware and board games were 50% off.

“In 1974 there was a group of women at the church who said they’d like to open up a shop with the funds being used to maintain the [church’s] historical buildings and to support missions of the church,” explained Christine WInters, member and volunteer at Penny Pinchers Exchange.

To this day, all proceeds made from the exchange go towards maintaining the church’s buildings, according to Winters.

Every single item available for purchase at the shop was donated.

“I think what is really important is that everything is donated,” said Winters. “It used to be consignment and now it's 100% donation.”

Winters said that some donated items don’t even make it to the floor of the shop. Some sleeping bags, socks and other pieces of clothing are given to the church’s mission committee.

Some other pieces of clothing are given to women and children in need, according to Winters.

Work done by the Penny Pinchers Exchange also helps the environment, as Winters said their efforts keep items from being added to landfills. 

“The beauty of it here is that things that come through the door go to so many different places,” said Winters. “It's really a labor of love, we have 15 to 20 volunteers. There is a lot that goes on in a small space.”

The Penny Pinchers Exchange is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.