ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - All of us in some ways have been touched by an enemy. We may have watched a beloved spouse, child or friend battle this enemy and lose. Or we may have seen them win at great cost. 

At the very least, we know of someone who has had cancer.

Elk Grove residents have an opportunity to play a part in combating this disease by supporting the Discovery Store. The store accepts donations and provides opportunities to shop for clothing, household goods, furniture and other items. or to become a volunteer at the store.

How does the store help cancer patients? 

After paying overhead and staff salaries, all the proceeds are given to the nationwide nonprofit American Cancer Society. The money goes toward cancer research, medicine, lodging for patients near cancer facilities and transportation to doctor appointments.

Patricia Bloom-Perez, the manager of Elk Grove’s Discovery Shop, knows from her own experience how much help the American Cancer Society can give. 

“When I was diagnosed with cancer, I had just divorced and had no insurance,” Bloom-Perez said. “I was scared. When I called the 24-hour hotline, they talked to me for 45 minutes, calmed my fears and assured me I would be taken care of despite my circumstances. They even contacted my mother, who was distraught over my sad news.”

Like many cancer survivors, Bloom-Perez wanted to pay back the nonprofit for what had been done for her.

The 118 volunteers (84 active), who usually work four-hour shifts, often are either survivors or have had a close friend or relative die of cancer. Some just feel they are supporting a great cause.

 Volunteers are kept busy, sorting donations, examining the clothing and other merchandise, and making sure everything is clean and in good condition. They have become skillful in determining prices so that the customers can find great bargains. Very high-end items are researched to find their value. Items are tagged, put in order on the floor and artfully displayed. 

 Friendly service and help to find that special item you are looking for are an everyday occurrence. On Tuesdays, if you are a senior, you will be rewarded with a 10% discount. When clothes have hung around for a bit longer than normal, they go on separate sales racks at discounts between 50 and 75%. If you get on the store’s email list, you will be informed of the two semi-annual sales, when everything in the store is 50% off.

Rack up points as you buy and eventually you will get a $10 discount. 

The Elk Grove store has been around for over 10 years. There are 65 stores in the United States.

In 1965, the first Discovery Shop was opened in Southern California. Movie and television actors’ costumes were sold at the store to raise money for The American Cancer Society.

Barbara Pannell, first a volunteer and now a staff member, described why she likes her job: “When my office job with a landscaping firm ended, I wanted to do something that made a difference.’

Laura Lacalle, who has been working at the store for over seven years, was a legal assistant for 55 years and was looking for a way to give back after retiring.

“I’ve made great friends here and I love the people who come in regularly,” Lacalle said.