NOODLEMAN
On the lamb in Los Angeles after smoking a joint on the steps of City Hallin Key West. Scroll down for an interesting paragraph from the
UCLA Daily Bruin Online
Monday, 8/11/97
Fake Furs & Fugitives
THRIFT STORE: At the UCLA Thrift store, you can buyanything from Johnny Carson's suit, to a home brewing kit, and all proceeds go to Med Center patients.
By Matt Grace
Daily Bruin Contributor
The people of West Los Angeles have a secret. In the brick-laden disguise of an old brewery, a group of volunteers are turning straw into gold.
"Follow me," whispers manager Susan Pearson, before revealing a room filled with gold and silver serving dishes.
For the last 40 years, the UCLA Thrift Shop has quietly collected treasures donated from the community, raising money for the Medical Center and helping needy families.
"You never know what's going to come in here," Pearson said. "Fur coats, bicycles, trampolines ... "
Nicknamed "the Neiman-Marcus of thrift stores," this organization run by the Medical Auxiliary boasts an unusual array of goods and people.
"People come in here because they want quality stuff," Pearson explained. "We only sell really good stuff."
Home-brewing kits, racks of oversized clothes from an NFL star, one-of-a-kind movie scripts and kitchen sinks are scattered throughout the store.
The crew of customers are as motley as the store's goods.
Ron "Noodleman" Carter, who says he is a "wanted fugitive," has been traveling across the country, escaping the law and seeking thrift stores for limited-edition books.
An artist dressed only in his boxers and giving his name only as Patrick, wandered around in search of some new clothes.
He comes regularly to the store to check out the extensive selection of designer suits.
"I once found a suit that was Johnny Carson's," Patrick boasted as he waded through the racks.
"It has become an addiction, the prices are great and it's fun," said Kathy Herzog, another frequent shopper and a resident of West Los Angeles.
She likes the higher quality of the "classy junk" at the store.
Some customers shop without shame, like a recent customer who walked in wearing his birthday suit.
Other people, however, wish to remain anonymous in their quest for a bargain.
"It's like a character study," said Ann Levine, a 91-year-old volunteer who loves dealing with the range of personalities that filters through the store.
For more than 60 years, Levine has volunteered in thrift stores, helping the community while building lasting friendships.
Ruth Jacobs volunteers despite having retired several years ago. She loves the atmosphere, the people and the cause.
"We are doing something worthwhile," Jacobs said. "It's sort of my therapy."
Purchases made at the thrift store provide funds for UCLA Medical Center patients unable to afford treatment.
The Medical Center Gift Shop and the thrift store raised $250,000 last year for the Medical Auxiliary, said Pearson.
"The Medical Auxiliary is a board of trustees that decide where the money goes," Pearson explained.
"From our fund-raisers we make grants to the hospital," said Maddie Katz, auxiliary president.
In the past year, the auxiliary donated $100,000 to the Tiverton House, which provides housing and support for people with families in the hospital.
They also financed parties for children with cancer, bought a much-needed ambulance, and backed a hospital program that brings dogs into the hospital to play with bed-ridden children.
"It makes such a difference with the patients," Katz said.
This would not be possible if not for the thrift store's demand for quality, which results in high profits, Katz said. Items that do not meet store standards are passed onto "less discriminating" second-hand stores.
Furthermore, celebrity clientele and UCLA alumni consistently donate to the store. Not only do they receive tax deductions, but they help the community and the hospital.
Pearson's only worry is the lack of student shoppers.
"I don't think students know about the store," Pearson said. "I'd like to see more students."
The store hopes to draw more loyal customers, including students, with their fall sale held on Aug. 12.
Excited by the idea of increased customers, she created a 10 percent student discount on the spot during an interview.
"You see, I can do that," laughed Pearson.
The UCLA Thrift Shop is located on the corner of Sawtelle and Massachusetts.
Photos by PATRICK LAM/Daily Bruin
A stuffed bear rests along a back wall (middle) while a beer-making machine sits on the floor (bottom) of the UCLA Thrift Store, located at the corner of Sawtelle and Massachusetts (top). The store sells high-quality goods donated by the community to raise money for the Med Center and to help needy families.
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© 1997 ASUCLA Communications Board
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