Sales at The Attic as Barton Auxiliary prepares to take on operation of Christmas Cheer

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Many were surprised by the news on May 16 that Barton Health would be selling the building that housed The Attic Thrift Store and shifting focus from retail sales to helping food and clothing insecure residents closer to their health campus.

In order to clear out the store located at 970 Lodi Ave., there will be special sales over the next two weeks. Tahoe Community Appreciation Week is from Monday, May 29 to Saturday, June 3. All items are 75 percent off for those with a local ID.

If any items are left, anything on the store's patio from Tuesday, June 6 to Saturday, June 10 will be offered for free.

Then, Barton's focus moves to 1120 3rd Street. This is where Christmas Cheer has been supplying food, clothing, and toys at Christmas to those in need in South Lake Tahoe from a building owned by Barton Health.

"Barton is partnering with Christmas Cheer to continue food and clothing distribution to our community’s most vulnerable populations," explained Chris Proctor, Barton's director of community benefit. "The Barton Auxiliary, a volunteer group serving Barton Memorial Hospital, has joined the current volunteer group at Christmas Cheer to assist in the day-to-day operations. Operations will continue and are planned to remain the same for the near future."

The Christmas Cheer Board of Directors is passing operations to the Barton Auxiliary, both of which are 501(c)3 non-profits.

Tom Davis, a longtime member of the Christmas Cheer board said while their structure is changing, the service provided to the community will continue. Linda Coffman of the Barton Auxiliary has been training with the retiring Joanne Shope of Christmas Cheer to take on the leadership role, and the volunteers from both groups are combining into one.

Hours are planned to stay the same at Christmas Cheer, Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.