I am a huge fan of thrift shops and I have several that I check out every weekend. It's how I unwind and have some time to myself. I actually look forward to it every week.
One of my favorite shops had started discounting certain clothing by 90%. Every week they had an entire wall filled with all kinds of items, most of which were in great condition. I was disappointed at first that I couldn't personally benefit because nothing was in mine or my husband's size.
Then it dawned on me. I could stock up on sweaters and jackets for the impending cold weather and donate them to the homeless shelter! In the last couple of weeks I've gotten six huge bags of sweaters, jackets, sweatpants, and long-sleeved shirts for under $20! I also got a small bag of soap, toothbrushes and shampoo for $1.
One of the jackets I got today was brand new and still had the tag on it. Most of the other items are brand-name and in really nice shape. I try to get unisex colors and styles in case there are some women who need clothing too.
I went to the shelter today to drop off my haul. It was pouring rain and there were several people huddled inside waiting for lunch. One poor man was lying on the wet floor. I asked him if he wanted something dry to lie on and gave him a sleeping bag. He was thrilled and said he really needed one.
Before dropping off the clothing I tucked a smile card into one of the jacket pockets!
18.7K Reads
- Posted by whitby98
- Mar 22, 2012
- Comments (23)
Readers Comments
unknown wrote: what a brilliant idea! I have often looked at our thrift store (it's the only place I shop anymore.....who can afford $40 for a new blouse?) and seen lovely blouses, sweaters, pants, and shirts in sizes I can't use, but at bargain basement prices! What a great solution!!! There are calls for help for the shelters all winter long, and this would be the perfect solution! Thank you for a WONDERFUL idea!
moral12 wrote: Fantastic idea, like Wooka said! Not only helping all involved, but, it satisfies the "fun" quotient of shopping AND helping others. Kudos to you!
MakeSomeoneSmile wrote: What a great idea! Bless you for finding a wonderful way to help others!
MaryBeth wrote: Fantastic thought! I was recently shopping for my daughters at a retail store and while the clearance rack did not have anything in their sizes, i did notice some cute thermal shirts for less than $2. I should have picked them up to do the same. Thank you for the idea!
Lara wrote: You rock! And clearly have a gift for generosity. :)
Susan wrote: What a fabulous idea! I am going to do the same, always wondered what to do when they don't have our sizes. Thank you for sharing and being such an inspiration.
trionafaye wrote: We never know how much our acts of sharing can impact others in direct or indirect way, bless your heart!
LORETTA wrote: I love the idea. I'm gonna start doing this as well. Thanks for opening my eyes to a new way to help. God bless
Toni Hughes wrote: Every fall and through winter i go to the dollar store and buy socks (thick and nice), gloves, scarves and toiletry items and give them out to those in need. I love it and everyone is so appreciative. I also spend a lot of time knitting and giving items away as well.
