NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — The Navy Marine Corps Relief Society quietly helps service members across the country through loans and grants, aiding those who serve when they need service themselves while supporting more than 48,000 clients a year.
Much of the relief society’s funding comes from their thrift stores, located on several bases around the country — including here in Hampton Roads.
On Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek, you won’t find a happier helping hand than Dorothy Smiley and her crew of volunteers.“When the people come in, right, the atmosphere, right, the characteristics that we have in here are all, it’s just happy, jubilant to be here, right?” Smiley said.At the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society Thrift Shop, you can find many things, from cookware and books to toys and clothing at a discounted rate.“The best part is when they come in and at first they can’t find something, and we help them go find it, and their face lights up,” said volunteer Rachel Cheatum. “It’s the best feeling.”They especially have an abundance of uniforms, and here, service members can save from $200 to $300 on ones that are gently used.“The digital camouflage that you see some of the sailors in, that can be $100 to $200 with the uniform, the tailoring, the patches,” said Sara Griffin, Navy Marine Corps Relief Society director of volunteer support. “And we sell the blouse for $10 and the pants for $10.”The Navy Marine Corps Relief Society began in 1904, helping widows and orphans of service members who died at war. Volunteers began collecting clothes and items for families and opened the first thrift shop in 1939. Funds from the stores also help service members in financial stress, needing car repairs or financing a move. They do this through either interest-free loans or grants.“The majority of our assistance is provided as an interest-free loan because it allows us to bring the money back in to support that next sailor or Marine and that family,” Griffin added.And folks here put in what they get out.“I feel jubilant, I feel God blessed,” Smiley said, “because you know I think everyone naturally wants to give.”…