Standing in line to check out here -- while one woman regretted making so many purchases as to total $25, and another decided to put back a purse when she learned it was priced at $2.99 -- really made me think hard about how materialistic and wasteful I am. I moved recently, and realized just how much stuff I'd acquired over the last few years; many items made their way into a yardsale pile, and I'm sure many of them will eventually make their way in a donation box to a place like Rescued Treasures. So, after this reflection, I'm making it a mission this year to be a little more conscious of spending decisions.
Anyway, moral of the story aside, I was really impressed with the size and layout of this thrift store. It's mostly comprised of clothes, and they're very well organized -- by section (men's, women's, boys, and so on), by type (pants, blouses, dresses), and then sub-sorted by size or by color, depending on the garment type. I was looking for a skirt to complete a costume I'm putting together, and quickly found the size and color I needed. And right next to it, I found an adorable navy Talbots skirt that buttons up the center and ties with a bright red belt -- for $2.99!! All the clothes were in good to new condition and looked clean. On one wall, you'll find the "library" -- hardcovers at .75 and paperbacks even cheaper -- maybe 8 shelves of books, and all categorized by genre; along with records, VHS cassettes, and some CDs. Beyond that there are some old CRT TV's and computers. On the other end of the shop, you'll find furniture, kitchen items, toys for kids, and other odds and ends. The furniture is all pretty worn, but it's also bargain-priced. Of particular interest were two vertical filing cabinets -- one military green, and one vanilla that were so vintage-looking, I knew they'd be perfect for somebody's shabby-chic office. And priced at just $12 apiece!
On check-out, they had a flier posted about an Easter Dinner they're serving for in-need families: free meal, free bag of clothes to take home, just a cool community endeavor. I asked the cashier about the charity -- Durham Mission -- and was told they help with homelessness in Durham, and have a 1-year "Victory" Bible-based program designed to get people back on their feet and employed. He himself was a graduate of the program.
They accept donated goods, and seem like the sort of organization that's doing some good in Durham -- one worth supporting! read more
