Local thrift stores in need of donations

The benefits of donating clothing and other goods to local thrift stores include promoting recycling, meaning fewer items wind up in a landfill; decluttering, which can create a calmer and more organized environment at home; and supporting local community programs, since many of the volunteer-run shops use sale proceeds to help others in need.

Locally, several organizations are looking for donations of quality used merchandise, including Righteous Clothing Thrift Store, 317 Main St., Parkesburg.

"Housewares and knick-knacks are something that we have the least amount of. That's what everybody likes to buy,'' said Nicole Starner, who is the store's lead volunteer along with Mae Taylor. 

Donations of new or gently used items in good condition are accepted during store hours on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursdays from 1 to 5 p.m., Fridays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.facebook.com/RighteousClothingthriftstore. Those who would like set up an appointment to donate clothing may send a message on the Facebook page.

Proceeds from the store, which is a ministry of Parkesburg United Methodist Church, are donated directly to local nonprofit organizations. Past recipients have included the Octorara Area Food Cupboard, the Parkesburg POINT Youth Center and Parkesburg Churches Community Outreach (PCCO). "Everything is given back to the community," noted Starner.

Starner announced that the store will run specials until the end of August, which include 25% off linens, jewelry, purses, handbags, backpacks, wallets and shoes, as well as 50% off all clothing. "We have a lot of back-to school items," she added. "That will hopefully help out parents especially with things so expensive right now."

Also accepting donations of children's clothing is Limeville's Blessings, located at Limeville Church, 5783 Limeville Road, Gap. Church member Melanie Shivery, store coordinator, said that donations of children's clothing are specifically needed from preemie sizes through size 14/16.

"It's so important that we have plenty of clothing, because we have families coming from multiple states, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and Delaware, that need a helping hand," said Shivery.

In order to continue the cycle of giving, some families will bring clothing donations that they obtained from the store and leave with new clothing. "A majority of the people shopping here will bring their children's outgrown clothing and are able to take home clothes that fit without any cost," Shivery said.

Limeville's Blessings, which offers free clothing, household items, children's toys and more to families in need, is open on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to noon and on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donations for the store are accepted during operating hours or by appointment. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/LimevillesBlessingsStore.

Another organization looking for donations is the Tel Hai Retirement Community's Resale Shop, 1200 Tel Hai Circle, Honey Brook. The Resale Shop, located on the lower level of the Hertzler Apartments building, is generally open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the third Friday of each month. The next day of operation is Friday, Sept. 20.

Appointments to shop are also available upon request by contacting Alicia Guthrie, director of development, at aguthrie@telhai.org or 610-273-9333, ext. 2036.

Donations to the Resale Shop are accepted every Monday from 10 a.m. to noon, excluding holidays. New or gently used items needed for donation include antiques, appliances, furniture, jewelry, housewares, linens, quilts, sewing materials, tools, mechanical items and small electronic appliances. The shop does not sell clothing, toys or books. For more information and a complete list of donation criteria, visit www.telhai.org/resale-shop.

"Donations to the Resale Shop benefit a wonderful cause - the Tel Hai Care Assurance Fund, which helps support residents who outlive their ability to pay for the care they require," said Guthrie.

Country Gift & Thrift Shoppe, 5602 Old Philadelphia Pike, Gap, is also in need of donations. Donations are accepted on Mondays through Saturdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Accepted items include books, purses, clothing, fabric, housewares, jewelry, seasonal home decor and toys. The shop does not accept large appliances or furniture. To view the donation policy and a complete list of accepted items, visit http://www.countrygiftandthrift.com and select "Donations" from the homepage.