WESTBROOK – The thrift store in the Westbrook Community Center, which helps fund much of the center’s senior citizen program, is adopting a new name and shifting to a new, more visible location.

The store, which has been operating since 2009, is completely volunteer and donation driven, says Maria Dorn, the director of Westbrook Community Services. She said following a meeting a few weeks ago, the center and volunteers decided the new name and move was a necessary decision.

Dorn said the volunteers chose the new name, “Cornelia’s Place,” at the same meeting, after Westbrook philanthropist Cornelia Warren.

The store sells donated items of clothing and other goods for prices between $1-$5, with the money going toward yoga, cardio and other fitness programs for seniors, as well as some children’s programs. Most clothing can be purchased for $1.

“We never really had a name and didn’t know what to call it,” she said, referring to the name change. Dorn added that some volunteers saw the current name, or lack thereof, as “unattractive.”

“They (volunteers) want to invoke a more personal feel and they want it to be more like a little boutique, with prices still the same,” Dorn said about the senior volunteers’ inspiration.

The store will move to the front of the community center, which is off Bridge Street in Westbrook. While the move takes place, the store will be closed until Tuesday, Sept. 9, when the center will host a re-opening and reception.

“Our volunteer- and donation-run thrift store generates money that keeps our senior citizen program costs extremely low or free and it provides a place for people to shop who need really good prices because their budgets dictate it,” Dorn said. “Our volunteers love the thrift store and do a tremendous job.”

Dorn said the center’s volunteer base “works tirelessly” on this and other projects for the community. And, she said, much like Cornelia Warren, who provided great things for Westbrook without bringing attention to herself, the volunteers aren’t looking for recognition in return.

“They chose her name (Cornelia) because she gave back, and they feel that what they do and what the shop provides gives back,” she said.

She added that many of the women are also Meals on Wheels drivers and volunteers at the Westbrook Food Pantry, which also recently moved to a more visible spot in the front of the building.

For the grand re-opening, the shop will be open during the day from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., with a reception opening from 5-7 p.m.