Mar 1, 2015 3 min read

Hidden Treasures has had a presence in Waynesburg for quite a while, and we are hoping the thrift store will continue to be part of the Greene County community.

But last Thursday, the store, which has been at Widewaters Commons in Morrisville since October 2010, closed because its lease expired.

Hidden Treasures, an outreach of Washington City Mission, provides reasonably priced used furniture, clothing, household necessities, children’s toys, books and many other items, some donated new from local businesses.

It is a vital asset to the community, and to lose Hidden Treasures because of lease issues would be a tragedy. The people in this community really have no other place locally to get good used furniture when they need to move or replace what might be lost in a fire. What Hidden Treasures offers to the residents of the county is immeasurable.

We have no idea what Hidden Treasures was paying for rent at Widewaters, and we were surprised to learn it was on a month-to-month lease. We don’t know if Hidden Treasures was solely responsible for paying its rent or whether it was subsidized in some way by the City Mission.

Prior to locating at this plaza, Hidden Treasures was operating a store on High Street in Waynesburg, and because of what the store offered, it is likely they ran out of space. When it moved nearly five years ago, there was excitement among its workers and volunteers that this was the perfect location because of convenient parking and because of the likelihood of increased customer traffic.

A Waynesburg University student who was doing his service learning project at Hidden Treasures was as shocked as anyone when he learned the store was closing. “Everyone has a good attitude. It’s been fun,” said Zach Diberadin. “Even though they’re being forced out, they still hope to stay in the community.”

And no one hopes that more than store manager Kathy Suska.

She has put out a petition for customers to comment on possible new locations and so far she has received 300 signatures of support. “They really want us to stay,” she said.

We are not surprised that customers appreciated the variety of goods that were within their budgets to buy.

Suksa said she is confident the Washington City Mission is trying very hard to keep Hidden Treasures in Waynesburg, and we would expect the City Mission to make it a priority to find an adequate location with ample space.

Commercial rental space in the Waynesburg/Franklin Township area is at a premium. That’s no secret.

Hidden Treasures was fortunate to find the space at Widewaters Commons. Yes, there are other plazas in the area, but there is a question whether affordable rental space is available.

Surely, there are landlords and Realtors who know what is available. Now is the time to step forward.

Those running the thrift store can be uprooted just so many times before they run out of patience.

We don’t think the people of Greene County, and particularly those living in and around Waynesburg, will let that happen.

It’s a good bet Suska won’t. Her resolve is obvious. “We’ll find what we need,” she said.

Let’s hope those who can help are listening.