Barnesville Thrift Store and Food Pantry Runs on Self-Sufficient Energy
The Barnesville Thrift Store and Food Pantry, formerly known as the St. Vincent de Paul Society, has operated on solar power for much of the past eight years. The store celebrated another year in business in February.
A group of people, including the late Bill Hunkler, opened the first thrift store and food pantry 45 years ago. After operating from several locations, including North Chestnut Street and three sites each on West Main and East Main streets, Hunkler decided the shop had outgrown its location at 114 W. Main St., according to his wife, Alice Hunkler.
“He felt like there was a void at that time,” Alice said. “He wanted to help people with food insecurity and also help with utility bills, and to have something dependable for people.”
The 5,570-square-foot building has been energy self-sufficient since 2018, when the organization moved into its current location at 116 S. Gardner St. The building was constructed specifically to operate as a thrift store and food pantry.
John Rockwell, a board member with an engineering background, said Hunkler recruited him to help plan the new building.
“He was very interested in making the building energy efficient,” Rockwell said.
The building uses structural insulated panels, known as SIPs. The walls are more than 10 inches thick and contain insulating foam, requiring very little energy to heat and cool.
Hunkler passed away before seeing his vision of installing solar panels on the roof come to fruition. In honor of his memory, the board installed the panels several years after the building was completed.
Electric bills for the store dropped from nearly $400 to about $100 per month after the solar panels were installed.
The building is cooled in the summer and heated in the winter with heat pumps powered by the solar system. The facility is also lit entirely by LED fixtures.
The building remains connected to American Electric Power, so solar energy can power the store while any extra electricity goes back to the power grid, Rockwell said.
Solar panels do not produce electricity at night, and the store likely uses only part of the energy generated during the day. Any excess electricity flows back to the utility, while additional power can be drawn when needed.
The panels generate electricity from sunlight and require little maintenance. They are designed to last 25 years or more.
“If you are connected to AEP, you may be using some of that solar energy yourself,” Rockwell said.
Rockwell added that energy-efficient buildings can be financially frugal and environmentally responsible because they reduce the need to burn fossil fuels.
“We’re very proud of the building,” Rockwell said, “and grateful to Bill for his work.”
The shop sells clothing, furniture, dishware, curtains, shoes, decorations, seasonal items and more. The food pantry is stocked with nonperishable goods, meat, bread and other items.
Customers can find items, such as jewelry, lamps, flowers and food inside the Barnesville Thrift Store and Food Pantry. ©Barnesville Area News Company Photos.
All merchandise in the shop is donated by individuals or businesses. If the pantry runs low on food, volunteers will purchase additional items. The store also offers a free-item table at the front door.
“We want to help the community,” food pantry manager Denise Bunting said. “The community gives to us, and we give it back.”
Bunting and thrift store manager Judy Carpenter both worked in the Barnesville School District during their careers and said they saw firsthand the needs of local families.
Staff also recognized the volunteers who dedicate countless hours to helping the community.
“They deserve a huge amount of credit and thanks,” Rockwell said.
Hunkler, who volunteers at the store two days a week, added the volunteers are what make the shop successful and maintain a positive attitude about helping others.
“It’s a fun place to go and work every week,” she said.
The shop is open from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday. It is closed on Sunday. Contact the shop at 740-425-9438.
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