Nonpro t
BY WESLEY GARDNER
The Village Thrift Shop might appear to be a typical resale shop, but the services it provides go far beyond simply sales. How it works The thrift shop, which opened in Porter in 2013, o ers individuals with intellectual and develop- mental disabilities a place to work, volunteer and practice social and vocational skills, said store Manager Latonya Boyd. Boyd noted The Village Thrift Shop works under the umbrella of The Village Centers, a Kingwood-based nonpro t that o ers a number of support services aimed at helping individuals with disabilities and special needs expand their social and life skills, personal wellness and vocational skills. The thrift store itself sells clothing, seasonal decor items, furniture, artwork, athletic equipment, toys and more, Boyd said, noting 100% of the proceeds go on to bene t The Village Centers. A closer look Boyd said many of the individuals who attend The Village Centers volunteer to assist with a number of tasks at the shop, including assisting with the intake of donations, placing merchandise on the oor, cleaning and other tasks. “All the basic needs and things that we do to upkeep the store, the Villagers help with those items,” Boyd said. Boyd added volunteer and work opportunities are not restricted to Villagers. Individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities are welcome to volunteer at the nonpro t, as well. For donations, Boyd said the thrift shop accepts most items as long as they’re gently used and still in good condition, but she said the store has a particular need for furniture. “Right now, we’re in need of some really good furniture,” Boyd said. “As soon as it comes in, it goes right back out.” Monetary donations can be made through the nonpro t’s website or directly at the thrift shop. Why it matters For Celeste Reiss, the thrift shop’s lead of sales and merchandising, the most rewarding aspect of working at the store is being able to spend time with the volunteers. “They’re all so special and they’re all so di er- ent,” Reiss said. “They’re just such a joy to work with, and I’ve learned a lot from them as well.” The Village Thrift Shop buildsjobskills,con dence
To schedule a furniture donation pickup, donors can email a photo of the item to thirft@thevillagecenters.org.
PHOTOS BY WESLEY GARDNER COMMUNITY IMPACT
Daily deals While The Village Thrift Shop o ers daily discounts to seniors age 55 and older, teachers, veterans and rst responders, the store also features daily deals, including:
Spin-the-Wheel Wednesday: Customers can spin a “Wheel of Fortune”-style wheel for discounts of up to 50%. Blue Bag Thursday: Customers can buy a blue bag, ill the bag and save 50% on all items. Additional special rotating sales are held on Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday.
The thrift shop sells clothing, toys and games.
SOURCE: THE VILLAGE THRIFT SHOP COMMUNITY IMPACT
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25432 Loop 494, Porter www.thevillagecenters.org/the-village-thrift-shop
Pictured, from left, are Manager Latonya Boyd and Lead of Sales and Merchandising Celeste Reiss.
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NEW CANEY PORTER EDITION
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