Casa Mesita volunteer Elshan Akhadov checks out merchandise Saturday in the new location near Subway on Central Avenue. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com

Casa Mesita volunteer Susan Dryja sorts through donations Saturday. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com

By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com

After 15 years serving the Los Alamos community from its location in Mari Mac Plaza, Casa Mesita has moved into a new space a few blocks down the street.

Volunteer Susan Dryja said the organization began the move July 1 over to 1370 Central Ave., Suite B just across the street from the Bradbury Science Museum and next to Subway.

“People are moving out of the (Mari Mac) complex and we were outgrowing our space and we needed to analyze how we could make ourselves healthier and the best thing was to get a new space,” Dryja said.

She added that the move has been for the best.

“Everyone is a happy camper,” Dryja said. “Our team is stronger.”

While the space is new, Dryja said many of the procedures Casa Mesita used in its previous location are unchanged. However, she said the new space allows the organization to run more efficiently.

For instance, Dryja said there is a drop-off and reclamation area behind the store. People can drop off donations as before but volunteers have more room to process the donations. She added that volunteers try to stay on top of the donations “so we can serve the community a little more efficiently”.

Dryja encourages those interested in donating items but unsure what is acceptable to call Casa Mesita at 505.662.7235.

“We encourage them to call ahead so we don’t discourage anyone when they come to donate,” she said.

Not all donations stay in the store. Dryja said the organization, Clothes Helping Kids, makes regular stops to pick up items from Casa Mesita.

Additionally, she said all the proceeds from sales go back to the community; Casa Mesita donates to entities such as Los Alamos Public Schools and the Los Alamos Retired Senior Organization.

Dryja said all the volunteers appreciate the community’s support in shopping at the thrift store.

“Thank you to all the loyal customers who continue to return and help us to meet our goals to our benefactors,” she said.

Casa Mesita is open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, 1-5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call Casa Mesita at 505.662.7235 or visit its Facebook page. 

Interior view of Casa Mesita at 1370 Central Ave., Suite B. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com