Spring has sprung and with it comes changes at the Nu-To-Yu.
As of Saturday April 15 we will once again be accepting donations on Saturdays from 11 am to 2 pm. Volunteer staffing issues prevent the NTY from accepting large items such as furniture on Saturdays however we will be pleased to accept your donations of tools, gently used clothing and shoes, unchipped china/dishes and kitchen items, small appliances in working order, linens and toys in good repair as well as jewelry and figurines. There is a limit of 2 bags or boxes per household per day. Please note we cannot routinely accept donations between 10-11am on Saturdays. All donations are to be screened by the downstairs volunteer who is also doing sales so no dumping and running/dashing/sneaking away folks. We continue to be unable to accept donations on Fridays. Of course, Tuesday and Thursday donation days remain unchanged at 9 am. to 12 pm. Reminder: For public health reasons, the NTY does not accept used or previously opened toiletries, used bed pillows or cushions nor electric shavers. Thank you.
Now in order to accept donations on a Saturday the Nu-To-Yu will need to be open on a Saturday. April 15 also marks the return of regular Saturday openings for buying. Yes, we will do our best to be open for customers two days a week, Friday & Saturdays from 10 am. to 4 pm. effective April 15. Of course, we can only open the store if we have volunteers to take your money. Please consider volunteering 6 hours of your time, (this equals two shifts a month), so the NTY can offer you what you asked for: Saturday openings and a Saturday donation day.
When shopping at the NTY please feel free to bring your own bag. Buy your guilty pleasures with low denomination bills or coins. Cheques are accepted from full time on island residents. Ten dollars is the minimum amount to purchase by cheque. We do not offer cash back on cheques, that is what parents are for. There are two ATMs on Pender Island that are happy to give you your own money back to you if you remember your PIN. We do not accept e-transfer, credit or debit cards as we need every penny we make.
Effective immediately the number of customers allowed into the upstairs area is increased to twenty-five. If you are asked to wait outside because there is no room in the store, please do not throw a hissy fit. Facial masks remain mandatory until April 30. As of May 1, facial masks will be highly recommended so please consider wearing one. Masks are available for 50 cents. The public health measures of 2020-2022 inclusive were instituted to protect BC’s overwhelmed hospital system. News flash: The hospital situation has not improved in the last three years. By continuing to look after each other we also look after the hospital workers so they can look after us. Thank you for acknowledging the need and responsibility to look after each other as well as we look after ourselves. You helped keep the store open, and allowed all age groups to shop. We truly appreciate that!
We all know the NTY store is small and it is easily overcrowded during the summer. Cheek by jowl shopping is not the best look for the fire marshal, not the best smell for any nose. Sometimes manners are forgotten in the attempt to get the item you never knew you wanted but now just have to have. As a result, there remains a fifteen minute shopping time limit when there are customers waiting outside the store. Surprise, surprise this applies to those first in the door at 10 am just as much as the later arrivals. Please be courteous and socialize outside the store especially when there are line ups. Help the volunteers out, you may just know them. An older, ornery volunteer is a force to be reckoned with. Remember, we have already raised our teenagers. We know all the tricks.
Thank you all for shopping and donating at the Nu-To-Yu.. Happy Easter to everyone.