Sue Mello recalled the years she lived in Wareham, raising her children on her own.

"When I was a single mom, a lot of people helped," Mello said, "and I wanted to give back."

A bargain-hunter, Mello has found an unusual way to help the community that helped her. She paired with family friend Dr. David Adelstein of Wareham-based Triad OB/GYN to open 2 Times Too Thrifts & Gifts.

Located at 170 Main Street, 2 Times Too is both a thrift and consignment shop. For consignment, customers get 50% of the selling price of their items.

Alternatively, customers can receive 60% of the selling price in store credit -- which is great for moms who are looking to save money, Mello noted.

Mello is no longer a single mom, and the children she raised on her own are now in their mid-teens or early-twenties. But she remembers the lean years, and feels for those mothers who struggle to make ends meet, which is why she hopes to help out with 2 Times Too.

"We just want everybody to be able to afford good stuff," she said. "I'm a great bargain-hunter, and why not have others be able to benefit?"

Mello is assisted by her husband of five years, Jeff. The now-45-year-olds were born hours apart on the same day at Tobey Hospital. The couple now lives in Rochester and recently adopted twin girls who are 19 months old.

The babies keep her busy, but Mello figured, hey, what better time to fulfill a dream?

"This is my dream," she affirms with a smile.

Mello noted that the opening of the store has also energized her 15-year-old terminally ill daughter, Paige, whose illness has had her feeling down in recent weeks. Paige helps around the shop and enjoys interacting with the children who come in with their parents.

"Dr. Adelstein is a doctor with a heart," Mello says of her business partner. "He's given me more" than just the opportunity to open the business.

As she walks through the meticulously organized store, it's clear that Mello has a love for -- and a knack for -- the business.

The store is packed with men's, women's, and children's clothing, as well as a whole lot of baby items -- Mello bought out a children's boutique down-Cape and is selling much of the clothing for half or two-thirds of the original prices.

Mello also sells housewares, jewelry, and toys. Local crafters have also dropped items off.

"We're just, kind of a little bit of everything," she says. "Thrifts and gifts! That sums it up."

In the spirit of giving back, Mello is selling "Boston Strong" T-shirts, with all profits benefitting the One Fund for the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings.

Mello says she already has regular customers, and sellers have done well in short time the store has been open.

In fact, the store was a huge help to people working on the Main Street "Streetscape" beautification project, who found themselves soaked during a recent downpour. They came in and bought dry T-shirts off the rack, Mello said with a laugh.

"It's like 'Cheers' without the alcohol," Mello joked, explaining that she's already gotten to know many of her customers by name. She pointed out: "We're not looking to get rich. We're just looking to live, like everyone else."

For more information about 2 Times Too Thrifts & Gifts, visit www.facebook.com/2TimesTooThrifts.