Wash and Wear the Mayberry Way
Aunt Bee’s is a shop with a big heart.
At first glance, it looks like any other thrift shop: racks of shirts, pants, dresses and sport coats.
But behind the neatly divided sections of clothing, there is a room with three washing machines, three dryers and a huge folding table. This is where laundry is washed, fluffed, folded and returned free of charge to homebound people in the Hollywood area with AIDS. Revenues from the store help to finance the laundry service, which has about 170 clients.
The thrift shop’s stock and selection vary. In a given month, as many as 6,000 items are sold. The store prides itself on selling quality items, many in nearly new condition, and include brand-name and designer labels. Donations come from a number of sources, including the wardrobe department at Sony Pictures.
Most items cost $2.99 or less, with dresses priced around $10 and men’s jeans ranging from $7.99 to $12.99. On some days, there is a 49-cent T-shirt rack.
After two years of fund raising, co-founder Micki Jackson and Morris Kight opened Aunt Bee’s, named in honor of the television character on the “Andy Griffith Show.”
Using donated equipment, the store has worked to improve and increase its laundry services.
“It’s a simple project,” Jackson said. “It’s a lot of work. . . . We don’t push papers around all day.”
Jackson said the idea for the project came after a visit to Auntie Helen’s Fluff and Fold in San Diego, a thrift store and laundry service for AIDS patients.
Jackson said she has also cared for many friends with AIDS and spent a lot of time doing loads of laundry. The former graphic artist felt that she could make an impact in the community by offering such a service in Los Angeles.
“I get up every day and I’m eager to get started,” said the longtime Los Angeles resident. “It feels very good to know that you are being useful.”
In addition to the thrift store and laundry service, Aunt Bee’s donates articles of clothing to local organizations for the homeless. The store is also happy to accept donations such as shoes, clothing, accessories and linens as well as laundry soap and non-chlorinated bleach.
Aunt Bee’s, 6124 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. Open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Information: (213) 466-7601.