I recently donated cat food and decided to drop in to the La Plata County Humane Society Thrift Store. Furniture was 20% off. I spotted a chair, but it was marked $85!
I overheard an elderly woman in a wheelchair telling the cashier that the store used to give her yarn free of charge because she crochets for the homeless. She hoped to get the yarn for free. The cashier called a manager. “No. We can’t just give them to you,” the cashier said. “Can you at least take half off?” Clearly this elderly woman had little money and resources. “We can do 50%.”
I approached the counter. “I’d like to pay for her yarn. I appreciate that she crochets for the homeless. I’ll pay, although you (the store) should be covering this.” The discounted yarn was $10.50. The elderly woman was appreciative and said crocheting maintained her sanity, especially during COVID-19. She had recently completed 60 caps. She thanked me again and again.
Shame on you, thrift store. You are charging retail prices for items that are donated in good faith. Many say your store is now managed like a boutique. Yes, profits are required to support the homeless animals and the store has overhead costs. Surely, your vision statement includes service to the community – those with limited incomes, who are disabled or homeless?
Folks support the thrift store for their love of animals and their community. What happened to our friendly community-minded store?
Kathryn Lee
Durango
