Extended Thursdays at Branford's Homemaker Thrift Shop

There's more time for treasure hunting at Homemaker Thrift shop these days-especially Thursdays.

That's because the non-profit shop, which funnels its proceeds to Branford charities, is now open until 6 p.m. every Thursday. That's an extra two hours to find deals on everything from antiques to soccer cleats and vintage home décor to designer dresses.

"You never know what you're going to find. There's always treasure in here," said Lori Vogt of East Haven, a longtime customer who also donates and occasionally consigns items.

Homemaker Thrift Shop got its start more than 40 years ago in a tiny Stony Creek shop and later moved to its current, two-floor emporium on Maple Street.

Organized and run by volunteers, "When it originally started, the [former Branford] VNA had it under their wing, with the idea of having a thrift shop to raise money for training women as homemakers for home care," explained 12-year volunteer and past Homemaker president Carol Gesner.

When the VNA later relinquished the shop to this independent volunteer organization, sales began supporting additional programs that assist Branford residents. Today, all sales benefit local groups, including Branford Food Pantry, Branford Education Association, Orchard House Adult Medical Day Care, and Branford Counseling Center.

Current Homemaker President Elaine Brainerd oversees a dynamic group of about 30 volunteers who help man the store, manage consignments, replenish inventory, and generally pitch in where needed. Most are women, with the exceptional exception of Harold Kay, who's been volunteering with the place since its Stony Creek days.

"He is a staple here," said Homemaker Secretary Pat Mansfield. "Anybody who walks through the door will say, 'How's Harold?'"

The shop has its share of regular customers who not only know to ask for Harold, but also how to find a bargain. Vogt, for example, finds plenty of irresistible antiques and "retro stuff."

"As I donate, I'll always see something I want," she said.

Downstairs is a virtual department store with items of every description-sporting goods, home décor, jewelry, you name it. There, finding a bargain can take minutes-grab that pristine Lennox candy dish displayed among scads of china, glass, pottery, and crystal. Or, it could fill hours-browse through boxes of vintage record albums; peruse shelves and tables stacked with unique linens, lamps, and kitchen gadgets, past and present.

Upstairs is dedicated to clothing for women, men, teens, and kids. Last week, racks of jeans, $1 a pair, were the sale du jour. Designer jackets and dresses were neatly displayed with a mix of jewelry, vintage hats, snazzy men's ties, shoes of every description, and even a men's wet suit. There's always something for everyone, said Mary Hahn, a volunteer of at least 10 years.

"I love to volunteer here. We meet such nice people, and everyone goes out happy," said Hahn.

Homemaker Thrift Shop, 76 Maple Street, Branford, is open six days a week: Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m; and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donations and consignments are accepted; volunteers are always welcome. For more information, call 203-481-5161.