The Story of the Bargain Box
“Best Thrift Shop in Marin County”

Bargains galore! For more than 40 years, this Sunny Hills institution, affectionately known as “The Box,” plied its gently used wares for the benefit of the children of Sunny Hills. In its heyday, this thriving “thrift shop” raised more than $400,000 annually to benefit the children of Sunny Hills.

The Bargain Box opened on May 7, 1951 in a house in San Rafael located at 4th and H Street. The venture was so popular that it eventually outgrew that location, and moved to an unused school building on the Sunny Hills campus. When a fire damaged that building, The Box was forced to close. It proved, however, to be a blessing in disguise as a loan was negotiated to buy a building on the site of what is now the Red Hill Shopping Center. In 1964, The Box moved to a larger location on Irwin Street in San Rafael and stayed there until July 1990 when it moved to its spacious new quarters just down the street.

The Box was efficiently run by Director, Gloria Knight, a staff of six and the invaluable help of some 70 regular volunteers from the Guilds. Volunteers were so committed and enthusiastic, many having served continuously from the 1950s until it closed in 2003.  While hundreds of volunteers helped over the decades, one in particular deserves special mention. Helen Caletti devoted over 50 years as a volunteer for Sunny Hills. She was among the founders of the Bargain Box and served in various capacities over the years, including President of the Bargain Box Council.

Many stories of customers at The Box became legend.

One single mother of five completely furnished her rented house and clothed herself and her children all with bargains from the Bargain Box. Later, she made the decision to move to Santa Rosa. But after further consideration, she decided not to, as there was nothing nearly as good as The Box in Santa Rosa.

A Japanese tourist approached a maintenance man at the Bargain Box and said, “I want your pants.” It seems that certain jeans are collector’s items in Japan. After much confusion due to cultural barriers, the tourist paid $40 for the pants leaving the staff member to search the racks for a new pair!

For many years, the Box provided a source for locals to purchase items at a reasonable cost while giving volunteers an opportunity to do something for others, and enjoy the camaraderie and fellowship of this community. The Bargain Box eventually closed in 2003. Though it may be gone, it will never be forgotten!