photo by TaLeiza Calloway
Healing Journey Thrift Store owner Sandi Meyer (right) and assistant manager Angel Krohn stand in the store. The Waite Park store opened Jan. 5. 

St. Joseph resident Sandi Meyer, who recently opened Healing Journey Thrift Store, combined two of her loves – nursing and working in a thrift store.

The 35-year veteran nurse opened the store Jan. 5 with the goal that sales would benefit Quiet Oaks Hospice House in St. Augusta. She worked there for about three years but quit in November – the month she got the keys to her store at 1313 2nd St. S. in Waite Park.

Before making this move she worked at the Treasure Chest in Waite Park for eight months. Those eight months were more than work; they inspired her to give back.

Specifically, sales will assist in the room-and-board fees for patients at Quiet Oaks, something not covered by insurance, Meyer said.

“Our focus is to recycle other patients’ memories,” Meyer said. “There’s a lot of memories that come through here.”

Quiet Oaks Hospice House is an eight-bed facility with additional space for families of patients. Staff includes 35 nurses and 125 volunteers. Room-and-board costs about $425 per day and includes 24-hour nursing care from nurses trained in hospice care.

There is no limit on how long one can stay. Joe Bauer, executive director of Quiet Oaks Hospice House, said this is the first time a business offered this form of assistance. It serves a need, he said.

“We try to take everyone we can,” Bauer said. “It’s really nice for her to give the profits to us.”

Whether it’s a favorite coffee table or family heirloom, to Meyer memories are worth preserving. She has been collecting items since October.

The store’s selection includes books, movies, housewares, clothing and furniture. Donations are accepted year-round during business hours.

While Healing Journey Thrift Store already welcomes customers, the plan is to have a grand opening during the last week of April.

Assistant manager Angel Krohn said the feedback on the store’s arrival has been positive. What is attracting customers is the location and vibe upon entering the store.

“I love it,” Krohn said. “I think it’s the atmosphere they like. It’s clean, everything is labeled. Very organized.”

The tagline for the store is “Recycling treasures for transitional care.” Seeing this care up close and assisting in providing it to patients in their last days is what moved Meyer to open the store.

“It gives families a chance to be a family rather than a caregiver,” Meyer said of the care.

Healing Journey Thrift Store is open 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Friday; 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturdays; and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays.