History of The Blue Mitten

The Blue Mitten Thrift Shop had its start in 1959 as a rummage sale in the basement of Christ Church, Westerly, RI. Its founding member, Helen Joy Lee, wanted to raise money to help send kids in the Christ Church Choir to camp. Helen was assisted in the rummage sale by Connie Annand, wife of the Christ Church Rector, and Lynn Kent, wife of George Kent, the church organist who had recently started a community chorus which eventually became the Chorus of Westerly.

The Blue Mitten found a home when Helen Joy Lee gained access to a small brick building at 86 Main Street on the property of The Westerly Sun in 1959. Helen, a knitter of mittens, envisioned a blue mitten to represent the shop’s new name… “The Blue Mitten Thrift Shop.” Donated bags of used clothing, housewares, books, games, and children’s toys were sorted, cleaned, repaired, prices, and sold at bargain prices. With minimal overhead and no cost for donated items, “The Blue” steadily produced revenue which was used to support Kids Choir Camp and other Chorus of Westerly programs. The Blue became a second 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation in October 1967. The Chorus of Westerly also has a non-profit status but the two organizations are separate, independent corporations, having a shared goal of helping the Chorus of Westerly sing. The Blue hired its first manager in 1984, Ann Kaschuluk, who cleared out the store and had it repainted. Linda Dustin and Gail Lewis succeeded Ann as managers followed by Lynn Kent, who was hired in 1989. Lynn proposed the mission state, “The Shop That Helps Westerly Sing.” Under Lynn’s management, the Blue donations to the Chorus steadily increased to a peak of $58,000 in 2001.

In 2012, the Westerly Sun decided to expand its parking lot, which meant the Blue Mitten’s building was going to be demolished. The Board of Directors, led by Janet Kitchen, found a vacant store front nearby, and with the help of volunteers, moved The Blue’s contents into the new location at 135 Main Street. The new location was roomier and had ample and convenient parking but was in need of major remodeling. In 2016, the store was closed for a month while Board Members, led by Ed L., restructured the interior. Changing rooms were added, the donation room was refurbished, a sale checkout station was built, the bathroom was modernized, a storage unity was placed outside, and the walls were painted. The result… a more inviting and functional space. A store supervisor was hired, Amanda, who created an attractive “boutique” thrift store. Quality furniture donations from local dealers became popular, sought-after items for Blue customers.

The Blue currently employs a handful of employees assisted by a host of dedicated volunteers. As donations come in, staff and volunteers sort, clean, price, display, and sell items. As funds become available after expenses, The Blue Mitten Board approves a “Blue” donation check, to be presented to the Chorus during a rehearsal. The Chorus uses these funds to support their ongoing programs such as Fall and Spring Classical Concerts, Christmas Pops, guest singer concerts, Summer Pops, and Chorus Camp scholarships. In years past, Blue Mitten donations supported the Chorus’ capital building campaign and three of five Chorus tours in Europe. Donation levels have fluctuated over the years, but The Blue Mitten Thrift Shop has thrived for 60 years of giving and more.

This history of our shop has been graciously written by longtime supporter, Chorus singer, and Board Member, Mac Richardson. Thank you, Mac!