Published: Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2009 / Updated: Thursday, Jan. 07, 2010 03:28 PM
Second Chance for Christmas?
With the economy taking a toll on so many families, more are investigating shopping and gift giving from second hand stores. York is blessed with several options to shop and help others while doing so.
For the past 16 years, Beth Miller of York has volunteered with PATH's Thrift Store. The store sells clothing, dishes, kitchen accessories, antiques, collectibles, adult and children's books, furniture, toys and plenty of holiday items. The store currently boasts of Christmas sweaters, vests, and holiday decorations and gifts.
“We started at the First Presbyterian Church all those years ago and then outgrew the space, so we moved to a small building on South Congress Street, I think it was the old York Supply Building. Eventually we opened in the old Western Auto store.” Miller said.
The store is operated by the Western York County Ministerial Association. PATH stands for “People Attempting To Help”. The store is governed by a Board of Directors from a partnership of local churches. All items are donated by individuals, businesses and local organizations.
“I wanted to make a difference so I volunteer on Fridays and serve as the treasurer of the board,” Miller added. For this volunteer that adds up to an average of 50 hours per month. The store has no paid staff. All staffing is local volunteers.
The store is self-supporting and the local ministry does more than just sell from the store. The Red Cross refers those losing their homes to fire to the PATH store. There is a shoe fund that provides shoes to any child within the York school district. The fund is in memory of Harold C. Johnson and financial donations are always welcome. Donated clothing that doesn't sell is sold to a company that ships the clothing to Third World Countries.
Purchasing from second hand and consignment stores not only recycles, but also often provides funds that go on to help others. “One man's junk is often another man's treasure” is often true when shopping at a second hand, thrift or consignment store.
PATH's Thrift store is always in need of donated items according to Miller. Men's jeans and plus sizes for women are always in demand. Items can be donated during store hours on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. or from 9 a.m. – noon on Saturdays.
More 2nd Hand Opportunities
Tender Hearts located at 511 Kings Mountain Street in York accepts donations of gently used clothing, furniture and appliances for resale. Everything except waterbeds and animals is considered at the store. The store is operated as a non-profit that benefits Tender Hearts House of Hope which is a women's and children's shelter. Proceeds from the store also provide funds for community outreach.
“I enjoy helping a lady select a suit and accessories to go on a job interview,” said Myra Hooper, the owner of Best Friend's Closet which is a ladies consignment store located at 43A North Congress Street. “I try to offer an alternative to full price retail with some high end goods also. I am always there to help,” Hooper added.
Shirley's has also been a source of second hand goods in York for many years. The store is located at 20 North Roosevelt Street on the corner of Madison Street.
Clover Resells Too!
Light House Ministries operates a thrift store at 706 Old North Main Street in Clover. Manager Janie Barber has been working there for more than five years and shares her enthusiasm for helping others. “We have just about everything. We have toys to furniture and sometimes furs,” Barber said.
The store is the source of funding for a women's and men's homeless shelter operated by the Ministry in Clover.
Good Things Consignment offers area residents discounted sales too. Owners Patsy Turner and Carol Maroska have offered consigned goods at the store in Clover for nine years.
“We offer ladies clothing and accessories, small furniture and household goods and décor. We have always had a good business in Clover, but with the economy, we are seeing new faces along with the regulars,” Turner said.
The store is located at 104 South Main Street.
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