Thrift stores are usually created because there is a unique need that a community, or the greater society needs to be filled. Places like Goodwill, The Salvation Army would be considered to be the more nationally recognized thrift stores, but here locally we have numerous stores that are here for the sole purpose of giving back directly in this community. While the Salvation Army and Goodwill do directly impact our community there are some other places that will be highlighted for being what they are and the difference their presence has made in the lives of people that are our neighbors here in the Upstate.
I will start with the one that I would have to be the most partial to. The Safe Harbor Resale Shop. Safe Harbor Inc serves victims of domestic violence and their children in four of the upstate counties (Anderson, Greenville, Oconee and Pickens). The Resale Shop is perfect for the population in which it serves because in the Safe Harbor shelters and other programs within the organization the majority of the time when a mother decides to leave with her children, clothing, shoes and other things we all think we "need" are left behind. As someone once said, "It is not what you take with you when you leave, it is who, things can be replaced or lived without; my children cannot be." Without the Resale Shop, without donations from the community places like Safe Harbor would not be able to make the difference that they make each and every day. Women's lives are literally
saved because of perfect strangers. Children's lives are enriched, given purpose, changed and they are loved because of perfect strangers. I always think about it like this, who am I to think something like this, or something similar would never happen to me? Wouldn't I in my time of need want something like this to be there? Without donations nothing is sustained... Please donate. This store I would not say is a thrift store, it is a Resale Shop, where things that are donated are resold, not "thrifted". Some of the nicest things I have ever seen donated have come into this store, and people are willing to pay for them because they are
nice and because the difference this place makes is obvious and the services it provides are necessary. I encourage you not only to donate your items to this wonderful place, but do some research on other ways you can help; go help, be something for someone you may never meet.
Miracle Hill Ministries: These bad boys are popping up everywhere. Miracle Hill Ministries helps local upstate families who are facing homelessness, addiction and other various ailments that challenge the human condition. Miracle Hill is a fantastic ministry that started from humble beginnings in downtown Greenville. As is true with many thrift stores or human service agency, your donation is more than a tax deduction, it is a direct investment in the lives of your neighbors, the people you share this community with. Miracle Hill has a children's home, housing children without families from birth until age 18, they assist in the Foster Care System, a boys shelter, addiction recovery programs, emergency shelter and many other services. Places like Miracle Hill believe in second chances, and all local organizations should be supported.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore: This is not about clothes. This store in particular sells home items...anything from bathtubs to boxes of nails the Habitat for Humanity ReStore sells it all. There are two locations in Greenville, one larger and one smaller but both full of good values. Habitat has been providing homes to families around the country for many many years, and by purchasing items from this store you are helping give someone a place to sleep at night.
Basically this post is important because I choose to shop at these stores because yes it is a bargain, why would I not go to where the bargain is? But isn't there something more to be learned from a place thats entire purpose is to better the lives of perfect strangers? In our world today we are losing that, we are losing the important things and they are being replaced with the things we can hold, touch and show off. Whether you are comfortable enough in your own skin to hand a person money on the street or send in a check to the United Way every year...thats giving. Or if you cannot seem to bring yourself to giving money, actual money to an organization that helps people you may never meet...could you at least donate something to somewhere? If handing over a bag of old jeans, t-shirts and jackets makes you sleep better than $15.00 then do it. Helping organizations accept everyone in need, who are they to turn away something donated that someone may need?..If you do not think writing a check every year is worthy that is understandable and you are not the only person to think that; then volunteer. If you do not have the time to volunteer; advocate. If you do not think you have the backbone to be an advocate; raise awareness. And if you cannot bring yourself to raise awareness; help someone in your lifetime, anyone. The purpose of life is living a life of purpose.
Check out this site to find out more information and how you can actually change the life of someone else. I promise, you will not leave the same person, you too will be changed. Never stop believing in the power of giving.
www.safeharborsc.org
I will start with the one that I would have to be the most partial to. The Safe Harbor Resale Shop. Safe Harbor Inc serves victims of domestic violence and their children in four of the upstate counties (Anderson, Greenville, Oconee and Pickens). The Resale Shop is perfect for the population in which it serves because in the Safe Harbor shelters and other programs within the organization the majority of the time when a mother decides to leave with her children, clothing, shoes and other things we all think we "need" are left behind. As someone once said, "It is not what you take with you when you leave, it is who, things can be replaced or lived without; my children cannot be." Without the Resale Shop, without donations from the community places like Safe Harbor would not be able to make the difference that they make each and every day. Women's lives are literally saved because of perfect strangers. Children's lives are enriched, given purpose, changed and they are loved because of perfect strangers. I always think about it like this, who am I to think something like this, or something similar would never happen to me? Wouldn't I in my time of need want something like this to be there? Without donations nothing is sustained... Please donate. This store I would not say is a thrift store, it is a Resale Shop, where things that are donated are resold, not "thrifted". Some of the nicest things I have ever seen donated have come into this store, and people are willing to pay for them because they are nice and because the difference this place makes is obvious and the services it provides are necessary. I encourage you not only to donate your items to this wonderful place, but do some research on other ways you can help; go help, be something for someone you may never meet.
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