National Thrift Store Day, August 17 observed in Sheridan, Wyoming

SHERIDAN, Wyo. – August 17th was National Thrift Store Day. In Sheridan, WY it was observed and celebrated in the spirit of generosity by the 2nd Hand Blessings Thrift Store in Sheridan, WY. Everything in the store was free!

This delighted normal customers who come on Thursdays for “Take what you want and pay what you want” day; and other days when a complete garbage sack of treasures goes for twenty bucks.

The owner, Chrystal O’Neil, does not rely on 2nd Hand Blessings for a living. Instead, she is a philanthropist. In addition to providing the lowest cost thrift store in Sheridan, the proceeds are used to employ developmentally disabled people. At this time that includes Deborah Linville, Kimi Allen, Brock Pageant, John Wagnor, Rose Cortez, and Eugene King, most of whom would find it difficult to secure gainful employment.

This store requires all employees to complete rigorous training in customer service. It is nearly impossible to be in the store without one of them asking “Did you find what you need? Can I help you?” And they nearly trip over one another helping customers carry out heavy boxes or sacks.

Crystal regularly wanders around the store saying “Good morning, honey. Nice to see you again,” altogether providing welcoming feelings.

In these economic times, thrift stores have seen an upswing in customers from all economic levels of life. “We all now must be ‘thrifty,’ saving our pennies, now facing brutal economic times” said Mark Bell, Sheridan resident, retired from a career as Salvation Army accountant, another fan of 2nd Hand Blessings.  

The owner is always clad in glittery attire and ever smiling, sometimes in the back sorting out and directing donations, but ever available to folks who want to “bargain” even more. She almost always agrees, smiling and saying, “You help us more than we help you.”

The Salvation Army, another leading thrift store in the same community, however, did not know about that holiday. Thus, no specials were to be found there, unless you count the ten percent senior discount.

The National Thrift store website shares the following insights about that type of enterprise.

Before thrift shopping became common, people usually liked to repurpose their clothes. During the eighteenth century, many new ways of using old items were created. If someone’s clothing became worn, they would give it to a younger sibling as a hand-me-down and make it into clothes for them. Even after the siblings tired of this, the material would be recycled as furniture stuffing. People also often sold their items if they needed the money, but the thrift shop concept had not yet been created.

By the late nineteenth century, the United States experienced a massive cultural shift. The Industrial Revolution increased the production of clothes and goods, while the pursuit of the American dream led to heightened immigration. Many moved to urban areas, causing the process of buying new clothes and disposing of old ones to quicken. Pawnshops and scrap yards arose to provide for this need, but there was an unfavorable opinion surrounding clothes that were once owned by a stranger, as it indicated a lower social status. 

Christian ministries needed funding for their outreach programs, and religious affiliation groups such as the Salvation Army and Goodwill changed the narrative. In 1897, the Salvation Army launched the “salvage brigade.” Residents would go around the neighborhood asking for used clothes. In return, they would receive food and lodging. Then, In Boston 1902, a Methodist minister created Goodwill that hired poor and disabled people to collect goods and make necessary repairs to them. These shops provided immigrants with a place to find clothes, assimilating Christian values with social service activities.

Thrift shops reflected the department stores of the time in the 1920s. Initial impressions began to change after thrift shops stopped being known as “junk shops.” By 1935, there were nearly one hundred Goodwill stores nationwide and they were useful during hard times the nation faced.

The Great Depression and World War II made thrift shops more viable as a more affordable option to full-priced stores. People warmed up to the idea of thrift shops to find vintage items and niche goods, and ever since, the thrift shop has steadily shed its negative image.

The Thrift store website also includes tips for shoppers and donors.

What are the best days for thrifting? While there’s no “perfect” day to shop second-hand stores, many regulars swear by shopping early on Monday and Tuesday. Homeowners tend to drop off garage sale leftovers on Sunday nights!

Donate something special: It is great to donate old items we have gotten tired of or items that are no longer needed, so consider donating something special to a local thrift shop. Think of how amazing someone else could feel finding something of high quality at a discounted price? The real meaning of this day is to help others.

Go treasure hunting: Visit a local thrift shop and go adventuring for cool finds. Keep an open mind while looking around and pick out some interesting finds. Try a daring clothing option or buy a different home decor item that can give your space a new identity. It feels great to develop a style for a good cause! Volunteer at a thrift shop: get involved by signing up for a thrift program. In addition to retail services, there’s instruction, mentoring, tutoring, fundraising, production, and donation work. Find what works for you and offer a hand to the community.

5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THRIFTING

What a waste: The average American throws away twenty-one pounds of clothes per year.

No salespeople: Many thrift shoppers are appreciative that they do not have to worry about salespeople trying to sell them things at thrift shops.

Thrift Anthem: Rapper Macklemore’s 2012 song “Thrift Shop” reached number 1 on the Billboard charts.

It is a treasure hunt! One of the best things about thrift shopping is the surprises waiting in stores. Find preloved items that are probably more difficult to find elsewhere, such as classic board games, antique art, and designer fashion. Half the fun is discovering hidden treasures you never knew you wanted!

Thrifting is good for the planet: Thrifting reduces pollution and waste because it is recycling. Instead of buying new things, throwing out the old, and repeating the cycle, a better model is created when items are put back into circulation for others to make good use of them.

Perhaps Crystal summed it up best: “It is just a lot of fun, a way to connect and remind ourselves that we are all part of God’s community.”

(Contact Clara Caufield at a cheyennevoice@gmail.com)

The post National Thrift Store Day, August 17 observed in Sheridan, Wyoming first appeared on Native Sun News Today.

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