FREEPORT – Susan Dyche of Freeport is the new retail manager at the Freeport Community Services Thrift Shop on Depot Street and the Estate Sale Annex on West Street.

Dyche, who has turned in many years as a volunteer for the organization, became interim Thrift Shop manager earlier this year, and then took the full-time position in early July. She replaces Lynn Hannings.

She and her husband, Willard, have lived in Freeport for 25 years. Dyche, 49, and her husband have two sons who are attending college.

Dyche talked about her new job recently with Tri-Town Weekly.

Q: Freeport Community Services does so much good in the community. How do you feel about working for an organization like this?

A: I am happy to be back at Freeport Community Services. After almost two years away I am reminded again of what a special place it is. Every day I am surrounded by committed, caring and hardworking staff and volunteers that put other people’s needs ahead of their own. Each day is so different, which makes it a fun place to work, and the energy and nature of all the people around is contagious.

Q: What is your background in social services?

A: I do not have any formal social services training, other than having a bachelor’s degree in sociology, and I do not provide social services. I was hired to manage the Thrift Store and the Annex based on my years of retail experience. I do love all the people I work with, the customers, and all the donors I am fortunate to meet. The social nature of working at the stores and the community center actually provides a necessary social service to me.

Q: When it comes to the retail operation, we know how important it is for people to donate things? How can you gently remind people about things that are unwanted?

A: The generosity of all our donors is absolutely incredible. We are so fortunate to receive amazing donations every day. The success of our two stores and the programs they support depend on it. The few items that we are unable to accept due to either laws or lack of resources are mattresses, child car seats, high chairs, helmets, televisions, old computers and other electronics and, of course, anything that is broken.

Q: What do people look for the most in the Thrift Shop on Depot Street?

A: Because we have no control of our inventory, the thrift store has new and different merchandise every day. I would say overall that our bestseller is clothing, although we have a little bit of everything – from dishes and collectables to linens and books. It can be quite addictive to be on the hunt for that special “thing.” Chances are you can find it at our store.

Q: What do people look for the most at the Estate Sale Annex on West Street?

A: The annex is a really interesting adventure for FCS – we opened it about a year-and-a-half ago as an extension to our thrift store. It has become an effective way for us to re-purpose donated furniture and collectables. Our customers are looking for all sorts of things, from antique furniture, a couch for a first apartment, dishes for a summer place, or a piece of vintage jewelry. We have a little of everything, and like the thrift store, the inventory changes daily.

Q: The Community Center is such a focal point of activity. Can you tell us something about how important it is to people?

A: The Community Center’s doors open at 7:30 every morning and by 8 the place is an absolute hub of activity. We have people that enjoy coming every morning for coffee and conversation, we have people attending an exercise class, volunteers assembling lunches for our free lunch program, others stocking the shelves in the food pantry, and still others sorting through donations, getting them ready for our stores. By the afternoon, we have shoppers, the elders happily crafting and chatting, cribbage players, volunteers gardening, working in our stores, teens participating in activities through the teen center, and, of course, the dedicated staff is overseeing all of it. Freeport Community Services is truly a remarkable place and an integral part of our community. I feel that the residents of Freeport are lucky to have it. We provide so much to so many people.

Susan Dyche is the new retail manager for the thrift shop and the estate sale annex for Freeport Community Services.