Aug. 17 is National Thrift Shop Day. Who knew?
It's not a federal holiday. Likely you will not get the day off. And it's doubtful that anyone will send you a greeting card in celebration of it.
But National Thrift Store Day is almost upon us. Who knew?
Well, managers at some York County thrift stores were not really familiar with the pseudo-holiday, either.
April Moritz, the manager at the Re-Source York Renovations Store, made the best guess. She actually had heard of it.
"Hmmm," Moritz pondered. "I'm thinking it is in August or September."
Close enough. National Thrift Shop Day, which apparently has no specific date or place of origin, is Aug. 17.
Of course, there are the mega-, nationwide, charity-driven thrift stores — Goodwill and the Salvation Army — which can typically be found in any decent sized burg. And, there are other thrift stores, consignment shops, antique outlets, flea markets and junk shops scattered throughout the county.
But here in York County you can find almost every item you would need — except for groceries — in three locations. And, the money you spend at those stores stays in York County to benefit local organizations.
THE JUNIOR LEAGUE
First, you need clothes.
And, The Junior League, according to the signs on its storefront, stakes claim to being "The Thrift Shop."
Manager Marcy Bushey, who has been at the downtown storefront for 17 years, didn't know that National Thrift Store Day was coming. But, she was busy clearing out the store to make way for the winter items.
The Junior League, which now also takes consignments, has donated more than $1.2 million to the local community since 1931. And the list of organizations, groups and charities that have benefited from the store sales are too numerous to mention.
The Junior League's wares are largely women's clothes, although it also carries men's and children's clothes. All clothing prices are set and range from $4 for women's tops to $15 for a men's suit.
It is located at 166 W. Market St. and is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Saturday and also periodically for First Fridays and special downtown events.
Bonus: There's a pawn shop across the street.
THE YORK RESCUE MISSION ECONOMY STORE
Not far from The Junior League is the York Mission Economy Store which offers pretty much everything anyone would need to furnish a household from flatware to mattresses, TVs, kitchen appliances, living room furniture, children's toys, dishes and cookware and possibly the largest collection of mismatched coffee mugs (one for $.50 or four for $1) in the county.
For those with a sharp eye, there are some legitimate antiques mixed in with the two floors of merchandise.
Asked about the looming thrift holiday, manager Dwight Rohrbaugh, who has been with the organization for 32 years, smiled and said, "Is that right?"
The York Economy Store is at 283 W. Market St. and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.
There also are economy stores in Dallastown, at 33 E. Maple St., and Dover, at 67 N. Main St. All merchandise is donated and proceeds benefit the York Rescue Mission.
Bonus: There is a pawn shop across the street here, too.
RE-SOURCE YORK
Re-Source York, another charity-driven thrift store, has two locations depending on your needs.
At 405 Carlisle Ave., you can find home and office furniture, bed frames, kitchen and living room chairs and, in the midst of it all, a Kimball organ with an asking price of $50.
Over at 161 E. Ninth Ave., Re-Source York offers what appears to be everything anyone would need to refurbish and renovate a house — hardware, paint, flooring, tile, carpeting, doors, windows, stoves, kitchen cabinets, toilets, washers, dryers, bathtubs (antique claw-foot and new porcelain) and, of course, kitchen sinks.
The merchandise, all of which is donated, is both new and used.
Moritz, the manager who was familiar with National Thrift Store Day, said you can find almost anything you need for a home repair at the warehouse.
"Cabinet knob?" Moritz said. "We probably got it."
Before heading to Lowes or Home Depot, check out the Re-Source York warehouse.
All proceeds benefit Bell Socialization Services.
The Carlisle Avenue location is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. The warehouse is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.