I grew up with my parents often taking us kids to the thrift store for school clothes or most of what we needed. For a long time, I wasn’t thrilled about it. In fact, if I’m honest, I was embarrassed. But as I got older and understood the importance of stretching a dollar, I became a frequent visitor to the local thrift store for my child as well.
One day, while taking my son to the thrift store, I apologized to him. I said, “I’m sorry we can’t afford to buy new things for you.” His response was, “Well, they’re new to me.” That simple comment changed how I viewed thrift stores forever.
With this new perspective, I started going to the thrift store more often. Instead of seeing it as something we did because we didn’t have much money, I started to enjoy the experience. It became a fun place to find treasures.
As we moved to different small towns across the country—like Tonganoxie, Kansas; Mancos, Colorado; and currently near Hamilton, Montana—I discovered the magic of small-town thrift stores. Oh my! If I thought thrift stores were treasure troves before, small-town thrift stores took it to a whole new level.
In Tonganoxie, Kansas, I found The Good Shepherd thrift store. It spoiled me for thrift stores forever. The sheer volume of donations meant they had to keep prices low and move items quickly. The community recognized the impact The Good Shepherd was making, helping the local poor and needy. It was a group effort led by local churches, with volunteers running the store and every penny earned going back to the community—whether for the food pantry, utility bills, or school clothes for families in need.
People would drive hours to donate to The Good Shepherd because they knew their contributions were making a difference. Before we moved to Colorado, I looked through my closet and realized that nearly everything I owned came from The Good Shepherd thrift store, except for five items. It was an astonishing realization but made sense because it was such an incredible place to shop.
When we moved to Colorado, I literally cried, thinking I’d never find a thrift store like The Good Shepherd again. But then I found the Mancos Thrift Shop, which was amazing for different reasons. They took everything, ensuring nothing went to waste. If they couldn’t sell it locally, they would send it elsewhere, salvage zippers, buttons, and fabric, and even send supplies to other countries. It was a true zero-waste operation, which impressed me beyond words.
Then we moved to Montana, and once again, I mourned the loss of my beloved thrift store. But then I found the S.A.F.E. Thrift Store, which supports survivors of domestic abuse through its sales. Besides having great items, S.A.F.E. provides emergency shelter, work opportunities, and services for survivors in the community. Every time I shop there, I know I’m not only getting good deals but also contributing to a greater cause.
Small-town thrift stores are truly special. They not only offer incredible bargains but also serve as a lifeline for those in need. Supporting these stores is a privilege, knowing that they, in turn, support the community.
