There are lots of great reasons to shop at thrift stores. They are where you can find everything from designer clothes and handbags at rock-bottom prices to unique collectibles—you never know what you might discover hidden in an aisle or on a shelf. Plus, shopping at thrift stores helps keep usable items out of landfills. Another good reason? Some thrift stores are actually funding sources for charities that are doing valuable work for the Long Island community.
Here are a few thrift shops that are giving back to LI. Consider visiting these places the next time you want to go on a second-hand store shopping spree. You’ll feel even better about scoring that awesome bargain.
2034 Newbridge Road, Bellmore
The Long Island Trading Post supports the non-profit organization Long Island Family and Elder Care (LIFEC). LIFEC helps elderly, disabled and handicapped people who are unable to care for themselves remain in their homes with their families and loved ones or find a new place to call home by assisting them in identifying and applying for resources that can help them.
The Long Island Trading Post thrift store helps fund LIFEC programs and is filled with a large selection of eclectic items from furniture and collectibles to housewares, memorabilia, musical instruments and more. Stock is continually changing and it welcomes donations.
2102 Montauk Highway, Bridgehampton
The Retreat Boutique thrift store sells men’s and women’s clothing, handbags, jewelry, and furniture. One hundred percent of proceeds to go fund The Retreat programs.
For almost 30 years The Retreat has been providing domestic violence services and education to families on the East End of Long Island. Some of its services include a 24-hour bilingual hotline, counseling, legal advocacy, prevention education and emergency shelter.
Junior League of Long Island Thrift Shop
1395 Old Northern Blvd., Roslyn
The Junior League of Long Island Thrift Shop sells clothing for men, women and children, household items, CDs, DVDs, sporting equipment and many other items. For over 70 years the Junior League of Long Island has empowered women volunteers to improve the lives of at-risk women and children on Long Island. The thrift shop is its biggest fundraiser.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Stores
The non-profit organization, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Long Island, was founded in 1948 and runs 13 food pantries, a transitional housing program and serves over 200,000 people annually through a myriad of direct services that help people overcome hardship. It has thrift stores in Garden City Park and Huntington.
2160 Jericho Turnpike, Garden City Park
The Garden City Park Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Long Island Thrift Store is known for having unique furniture, household items and vintage clothing.
1705 Jericho Turnpike, Huntington
The Huntington Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Long Island Thrift Store carries quality furniture donated from locals throughout Suffolk County, as well as household items, bric-a-brac, shoes and other accessories.