MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- There’s a bargain hunter in almost everyone. Even the trendiest of Marines like to score a good deal on supplies every now and then, whether it be on clothing items or DVDs.

The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Thrift Shop is a hidden treasure, with prices ranging from 50 cents to approximately $20, located near the Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton in building 27603.

“The Thrift Shop is only available to servicemembers and their families, but a lot of them don’t even know about the deals they can get here,” said Angie Ihlenfeld, a four-year volunteer at the Thrift Shop. “We provide a community service for our servicemembers at Camp Pendleton. Most of our customers are young couples looking for an inexpensive way to provide for their families.”

Most of the items at the thrift shop, ranging from uniform items to children’s toys and furniture, are fairly new.

“All of our items are donated by fellow servicemembers and supporters of the military who want to give back to our community,” Ihlenfeld said. “We have people driving hours just to donate their items.”

To donate an item, one should drop the items off on Monday, Tuesday or Thursday between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Uniform items and evening gowns for local high school proms are in great demand.

The thrift store doesn’t accept throw-away items; therefore, items must be clean and slightly used. The thrift shop also turns away large items such as washers, dryers and mattresses.

“All proceeds from the Thrift Shop go directly to the NMCRS,” said Michael G. Hire, the executive director of the NMCRS. “World-wide thrift shops cover much of the cost of the NMCRS Budget for Baby layette and class materials.”

In addition to shoppers, the Thrift Shop is also in great need for volunteers to handle the influx of items.

“Volunteering at the thrift shop can be very rewarding,” Hire said. “Our volunteers are helping our military community and enjoying the company of other dedicated volunteers. We also pay our volunteers for mileage and provide free child care while they work.”

According to Mary Rose, co-chair of the thrift shop, the volunteer experience can be especially rewarding to young spouses.

“Volunteering can prove to be invaluable for the younger spouses while their significant others are deployed,” Rose said. “It helps them pass the time and gives them the opportunity to relate to the other spouses who volunteer here.”

Anyone can make a difference by volunteering at the thrift shop. Volunteers can inquire about positions by calling (760) 725-1800.