Johnny M.

The HUB is the nerve center of Challis, Idaho. It looks and acts like your typical thrift store. Indeed, that's why everyone's there--to buy bargains unheard of anywhere but Challis. But The HUB is so much more--it's where people go to gossip--to learn the latest--to catch up with friends--to keep the proverbial "ear to the ground." In the meantime, of course, they are soaking up life's best thrift store deals. The HUB--where practically everything is fifty cents. It's the only thrift store we've ever experienced where there's practically always a line waiting for the door to open at noon. That's when the Challis siren wails--noon. And, fittingly, The HUB's door swings wide once again for the Faithful to swarm inside on a bargain hunting rampage. The HUB is a department store, five and dime, and Ladies Social Club all rolled into one slightly stuffy former flower shop. When people throughout Custer County compliment one another on an article of clothing, 99% of the time the response will be, "I got it at The HUB." The complimenter usually asks, "Fifty cents?" And the complimentee almost always replies, "Yep, fifty cents" The HUB is run by a group of Challis women who live and breathe for their weekly hours behind The HUB counter. Collectively, they are a walking talking Challis wikipedia. Need to know anything about Challis or one of its maybe not-so-famous residents? Just go ask a few polite questions at The HUB. Yep, you'll come out with a mind full of new insight and a few great new clothes as well. The Hub Ladies work for free. ALL of the proceeds get divvied up each early December. Every worthy group in Challis and Custer County gets an annual check from The HUB. The list of recipients is dutifully typed and posted next to the door so we can all see who got what all year long. It's inspiring. It's worthy. It's fun. It's The HUB--Helping Us Build.