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The public is invited to the grand opening of the Wild Goose Vintage & Thrift Store in Old Town Victorville.
The grand opening of this unique High Desert addition is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will include music, food, goodie bags and more, organizers said.
The store is located in a historic building built in 1951. The address is 16822 C St., between Fifth and Sixth Streets and just south of the California Route 66 Museum.
The idea to open and expand the Wild Goose Store came from founder Tarrah Butorovich Plascencia.
Plascencia’s store offers a diverse selection of items, a mix of old and new, including clothing, furniture, tableware, toys, home decor, kitchenware, music and more.
Shoppers can discover unique, affordable and sustainable items, ensuring that every purchase is a one-of-a-kind find.
The Victorville store will be the second Wild Goose Vintage & Thrift store in the High Desert, with the first being in Apple Valley.
“Beacon of hope and support”
Wild Goose is more than just a place to find nostalgic treasures — it’s a “beacon of hope and support” for seniors, said Charlotte Volsch, board member of the Ruth and Naomi Project.
All proceeds from the Wild Goose Store go directly to the Ruth and Naomi Project, enabling the nonprofit to provide more housing for seniors in need and expand its community programs.
The nonprofit organization operates two homes for older women – the Silverberry Home and the Rincon Homes, both located in Apple Valley.
Robin Smith, founder and executive director of the Ruth and Naomi Project, said both “Golden Girls-style” homes are safe and affordable options for women on limited incomes.
Each woman pays rent according to her income. Each of them has her own bedroom with a television and shares the living areas in the houses.
Inspired by love and loss
The inspiration behind the Wild Goose Store, Volsch says, comes from a deep-rooted love for seniors and a passion for preserving the past.
Plascencia, who has a degree in gerontology, was deeply affected by the loss of her father.
“In my grief, I felt called to support our seniors, who often struggle with the high cost of living, making it difficult for them to afford basic needs like food and medicine,” Plascencia said.
Plascencia’s commitment to helping the elderly is based on a lifelong connection with older people and is encouraged by her close relationship with her grandmothers.
Compassion and Service
The Ruth and Naomi Project has already had a significant impact on the community by providing housing for 10 women and feeding over 100 seniors each month, Volsch said.
The project not only supports seniors, but also inspires others to pursue their missions and passions.
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“With the opening of the Wild Goose Vintage & Thrift Store, we are expanding our reach and providing employment and training opportunities to young adults, including those with learning disabilities or physical limitations,” said Volsch.
She added that the store is a safe place where everyone is treated with kindness and respect, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
The nonprofit organization announced the launch of its official vocational training program this fall.
This program provides young adults and students with structured training and work experience that is tailored with sensitivity and care to their individual challenges and needs, Volsch said.
“As God leads us, we believe we can have a positive impact on a community that some may consider hopeless,” Plascencia said. “Our goal is to be a light and offer love and support to those in need, just as we did in Apple Valley.”
A food distribution will also take place at the Wild Goose Vintage & Thrift Store on Highway 18 in Apple Valley.
Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on X @DP_ReneDeLaCruz
