COSTA MESA : Someone’s Junk Is a Treasure to Others

Treasures on Consignment isn’t the average thrift store. In the name of charity, this upscale flea market is really a clearinghouse for the hand-me-downs found in the closets and garages of the rich and, perhaps, the famous of Orange County.

Tucked into an unassuming business complex near a dance club and busy Newport Boulevard, the “typical” merchandise in the cluttered shop includes Waterford crystal goblets and vases, a French walnut armoire, circa 1840, and several silver tea services.

“We have things people would pay a bundle for new,” said Marie-France Lefebvre, chairman of the consignment shop. “Our customers will find collectibles that are hard to resist.”

Treasures on Consignment is the brainchild of the Assistance League of Newport-Mesa, a nonprofit group which supports a variety of programs for children in poverty.

Since opening in September, the shop, which was conceived as a unique way for the 850-member organization to expand its fund-raising efforts, has been doing a steadily growing business. Under the terms of its consignment agreements, people who donate goods receive 60% of the sale price, while the league receives the remaining 40%.

The organization supports four projects and plans to use the money raised at the shop to add classrooms at its day-care facility for the working poor. Also funded by the charity are a dental center that serves about 1,300 children every year, an educational puppet program and a clothing drive for youngsters.

Although the shop has been open only two months, word about Treasures on Consignment is spreading quickly. One afternoon last week, several people strolled in and out looking for the perfect gift--a centerpiece for their dining room table or an unusual antique.

One customer left disappointed when a picture he had spotted the week before was gone. Another patron quickly snapped up a glass butter dish.

Jann Pruden came from Anaheim to browse. She collects English and Oriental china and is a regular customer of thrift shops. “It is nicely done in here,” said Pruden as she scanned the shop. Although she didn’t find anything this trip, a few weeks ago she bought a silver tea set to give as a house-warming gift.

On this day, the shop was filled with hundreds of items, including an 1840 French armoire with a $6,400 price tag, a $125 wicker love seat and a $25 afghan made of bright gold, red and green fabric. A jar from the 1600s was also available.

A set of battered baskets that was pulled out of a patron’s garage ended up being extremely rare. They sold recently for $2,500, prompting one volunteer to remark, “It just goes to show you that somebody’s trash is someone else’s treasure.”

Treasures on Consignment, at 2220 Fairview Road, will hold a holiday open house Thursday from 2 to 8 p.m. to formally introduce the shop to the public.

For more information about the shop, call (714) 645-5477.