Pictured above: CASA Thrift store is run by a nonprofit organization protecting women from domestic abuse.
Courtesy of Samantha Skye | The Crow’s Nest
By Samantha Skye
Today’s college students are under constant pressure to perform, both in and outside of the classroom. They live in a consumeristic society where it is normal to purchase, for the sake of one’s popularity, and purge, for the sake of one’s closet. Living this way is not sustainable, for the wallet or the planet, unless you opt for second-hand clothing.
According to Yahoo News, a “renaissance of thrifting” is upon us due to young consumers becoming more conscious of their carbon footprint. Alongside Gen Z’s interest in eclectic styles, the generation is concerned with leaving a lasting positive impact. Here are four thrift stores that offer more than just second-hand shopping:
- CASA Community Thrift Shop
CASA’s thrift shop at 1011 First Ave. N. has items that are priced to sell, not resell, for those who make money selling used clothes online. Pieces from designer brands like Michael Kors can be found here.
Founded by Sr. Margaret Freeman in 1977, CASA is a non-profit organization that protects and helps women affected by domestic violence. With a 24-hour hotline, an emergency shelter and non-residential programs, this domestic violence center is committed to empowering women through safety. Click here to get involved.
- SVDP CARES Community Thrift Store
Inspired by gospel values and patron Saint Vincent de Paul, The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a Catholic lay organization that leads spiritual growth by helping the needy and suffering.
“We’re in the business of helping people. I get paid to love people. There’s nothing like it,” Timothy Panyard, SVDP thrift store manager, said.
According to Panyard, profits from donated items help them feed and clothe people as well as get them off the streets.
SVDP even has scholarship programs for Catholic students and individuals interested in getting certified as a substance abuse professional. The thrift store for this far-reaching organization is located at 180 34th St. N. Financial and physical donations, including vehicles, are welcome.
- Out of the Closet – St. Petersburg
Michael Weinstein founded the Aids Healthcare Foundation (AHF) in 1987. In 1990, AHF opened the first Out of the Closet (OOTC) thrift store and HIV testing center in Los Angeles. Now, there are 28 locations, all of which are driven by donations.
According to David Hudson, manager at the St. Petersburg location, OOTC provides testing for people who are in need, without cost.
When asked about the “Don’t Say Gay” bill that the Florida House of Representatives just passed, Hudson explained “it’s only going to hamper our mission to allow everyone to be who they are.”
“HIV testing is for everybody, no matter your sex or race,” said Treneices Gibson, program manager at the AHF Pharmacy inside OOTC. Gibson mentioned that AHF is active in more than 45 different countries –– providing free STD testing, treatment and preventative medications.
Out of the Closet, located at 3400 26th Ave. S., donates 96 cents of every dollar to HIV care. Present a valid student ID for 10% off your purchase.
- Pet Pal Thrift Store
Pet Pal Thrift Store, located at 1500 34th St. N., directly benefits the Pet Pal Animal Shelter. Founded in the early 1980s, Pet Pal Animal Shelter is a safe place for dogs and cats to avoid euthanasia. This shelter is dedicated to “educating the public about the pet overpopulation crisis and the importance of spaying/neutering,” according to their website.
Classified as a “no-kill” shelter, Pet Pal doesn’t have the same capacity as kill shelters and, in turn, can’t accept as many animals. Regardless, the people behind this non-profit are working hard to place pets in stable homes so they can make room for more rescues.
