It is possible to dress for work or school on a shoestring budget if you know where to shop. Think "gently used." Prices range from 10 cents to $1.25 at Good Samaritan Clothing Closet, located in the basement of St. Marks United Methodist Church on the corner of Dickinson and Washington streets. The shop is operated under the auspices of Covenant House, but open to the public. Janice Fink, a volunteer worker at the shop, said thrift stores are a good option for parents on a budget, especially for parents who receive school clothing vouchers. The state recently announced it was lowering the amount of the vouchers. "All the clothes and household items are from donations and those who cannot pay are given slips from Covenant House that entitle them to whatever they need free of charge," Fink said. "Otherwise, there is a small fee from 10 cents for a pair of socks to $1.25 for a man's three-piece suit. That money is used to pay the manager who works every day and to buy underwear and socks."

Photos: Bob Wojcieszak At the Good Samaritan Clothing Closet in the basement of St. Marks United Methodist Church, volunteer Nancy Thomas, left, and manager Judy Snyder help shoppers outfit themselves frugally. Thrift shops are an option for parents trying to outfit their children for school on a shoestring budget

Regular shoppers include downtown workers and college students as well as parents buying school clothes.

"There are women with decent jobs who are single mothers," said manager Judy Snyder. "They will have a suit and buy a couple of blouses to go with it."

Volunteer Joy Hicks-Booker said she reaps the rewards of finding clothes for herself, her grandson and friends.

Regular customer Armelia Pannell of Institute is proud of her frugality.

"I've shopped here for years," she said. "They have the best buys of any place in the valley and they are so helpful."

Pannell has shopped at thrift stores throughout the valley for decades.

"I retired 11 years ago from Charleston Housing Authority," she said. "I have taught people how to shop at yard sales and how to shop with little money."

Over the years, she has held style shows using only used clothing at the University of Charleston, West Virginia State University, Charleston Civic Center and the old Daniel Boone Hotel.

She said her favorite thrift store shopping spots are Union Mission, Mountain Mission, Salvation Army, Heart and Hand, and Goodwill.

"I don't recommend consignment shops," said Pannell, who added they tend to be more expensive than thrift stores.

"Yard sales. Let me tell you, that is the way to go. You can get your whole wardrobe if they have the right size."

Before shopping for work or school, she recommends being familiar with what is in style. Parents shopping for children want the kids to blend in with the crowd so their clothes don't look like they came from a bargain spot. It's also important to allow plenty of time for browsing.

Once purchases are made, she suggests arranging the bargain buys on a bed with new underwear and new socks. Presenting them to schoolchildren in that way offers extra flair.

Good Samaritan Clothing Closet is open 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. Donations and volunteers are needed. For more information, call 343-3744 during operating hours.

Several thrift stores are located throughout the valley. Also keep them in mind when you are cleaning out your own closets and cupboards.

© Copyright 2004 Charleston Daily Mail