Students with special needs at Weslaco ISD are learning a new skill set as they prepare to open a thrift store.

Among the students preparing for the opening of the Finder's Keepers thrift store is Ocniel Vega, a 20-year-old who has autism.

Vega’s teacher, Elida Trigos, said he’s working hard to overcome his fear of germs.

"He had a lot of fear of touching things in general,” Trigos recalled, adding that Vega would make a big effort to not touch anything at all.

Trigos says that’s changed as Vega and four of his classmates prepare to open Finder’s Keepers.

The thrift shop's purpose is to serve as a real world job training site for Vega and his peers, Trigos explained.

“[It’s] a student led business that they can incorporate their initiative, their customer service skills and entrepreneurial skills — what better way to do that than to have our own shop,” Trigos said.

Each student will take on different duties based on their abilities.

Finder’s Keepers opens Friday, Jan. 26 at 9:30 a.m.

The store is located at 700 S. Bridge Ave. next to Weslaco ISD’s aquatic center.

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