South County Profile: Wanda Leach

WANDA LEACH

Wanda Leach of Cottonwood was born in the North State and attended area schools, she graduated from Anderson High School in 1977 and then continued her education at Shasta College taking classes in Administration of Justice and Adaptive Physical Education along with general education classes. After spending three years living in Germany and Tacoma, Washington with her husband in the Army, Leach began raising her children as a single parent. She eventually bought her childhood home in Cottonwood and has lived there off and on since 1969. Leach found her passion in selling recycled goods through Epperson's Flea Market, raising her children on the property out on Fig Tree Lane while working.

"The kids learned how to run a business with me. I always knew where my children were and they learned a job skill," said Leach.

After raising her children, in 2005 the opportunity presented itself for Leach and her business partner Wayne Lucklum to buy Junk -n-Treasures on Highway 273 in Anderson, selling recycled goods to the community. At Junk -n- Treasures, people bring in their used items and donate them to Leach. She then turns around and sells them at a reasonable price to people in the community and on Craig's List.

With Leach being able to run her business from donations, she is able to in turn donate items back to the community when she has an over stock of inventory or other needs arise. Leach also donates approximately 500 coats to the Good News Rescue Mission each year at Thanksgiving.

"I really enjoy the people that come in. They are all friendly and always find something useful at a great price," said Leach. "The store is hands on friendly and safe for anyone. If it weren't for the community, I wouldn't be here and I wouldn't be able to donate back to it."

A few of the unique features that Leach has in her store, are the different departments in which items can be found easily, half price clothing during the summer months and a produce sharing table where garden vegetables can be brought in by customers and traded for other vegetables that are in need by others.

"If the items in the shop could talk, I'm sure they could really tell some interesting stories," said Leach. Everyday here is different and so many things come in. The people that shop here also bring true joy to my life and I am able to do the same for them."

Name: Wanda Leach.

Born where and when: Redding, 1958.

Occupation: Co-Owner of Junk and Treasures.

Marital Status: In a relationship with Wayne Lucklum.

Family: Four children. Sons Erin, 29, Adam, 27, Alan, 25, and Anthony, 21. Also five grandchildren. Isaiah, Sylvia, Melissa, Charlie and Jacobalan.

Pets: A dog named Buck.

My worst job: I have enjoyed every job I've ever had.

My first job: Library Assistant.

In my spare time I: Post on Craig's List and Facebook.

My favorite book: Anything by Dr. Seuss.

My favorite movie: The Wizard of Oz.

My favorite recording artist: The Moody Blues.

My dream car: A 1977 Chevy van.

My friends like me because: I'm humorous.

If stranded on a deserted island, I would want: My immediate family.

The one thing in life I've learned is: You never stop learning.

The best advice my parents gave me: If you want it done right, do it yourself. Also, to follow your guardian angels.

My most embarrassing moment: I don't get embarrassed easily. I embarrass my kids.

My most valued material possession: The Black Hills gold ring my dad gave me.

What I like best about the North State: The generosity and caring community.

My hero is: Fred Sanford.

My pet peeve is: People asking me questions about inventory in my store when I am in town shopping.

My fantasy is: Having all my bills paid.

If I could change one thing about myself I would: Not be going bald.

The one thing Shasta County needs most is: More youth activities.

The most enjoyable thing about life is: Helping other people to help themselves.