Finding a bargain at a thrift store is a rush. Finding one that also feeds, houses and supports vulnerable neighbors? That is something else entirely.
Volunteers of America Michigan is marking National Thrift Shop Day on Aug. 17 with a one-day shopping event across all seven of its thrift store locations, featuring 25% off entire purchases, double loyalty points and hourly raffle drawings. The proceeds go directly to the organization’s programs for veterans, seniors, families and people with disabilities.
“VOA Michigan has been serving the community for 130 years,” said David Bann, vice president of development and communications at VOA Michigan. “Primarily, we serve veterans by offering them transitional housing in downtown Detroit.”
The organization operates a 40-bed Detroit Veterans Housing Program where veterans can live for up to two years, gain a permanent address and access support systems to get back on their feet. According to Bann, none of it would be possible without the thrift stores.
“We would not be able to offer those resources, we would not be able to help the vets if we didn’t have all this,” he said.
The stores run entirely on donated inventory - everything from vintage toys and 8-track players to Chanel bags and designer clothing with original tags still attached. One shopper even purchased her wedding dress and her bridesmaids’ gowns from a VOA Michigan location.
“We had somebody come in, buy her wedding dress and all her bridesmaids’ dresses,” Bann said. “She looked great. They looked great. The wedding was fantastic.”
The appeal, Bann says, is in the unpredictability.
“Every single thing in our store is unique. We don’t have doubles, we don’t have duplicates,” he said. “Every single thing is about the hunt because you can hunt, find it, and get something unique. And then you can really change somebody’s life while you’re doing it because when you spend money, it really does help the vets.”
Shoppers can also bring donations the day of the event. Bann encouraged anyone with unused items to drop them off, noting that donated goods are turned directly into revenue for the mission.
For those who shop, Bann framed it simply: “It’s the first step to the rest of their lives. And you’re doing it because you’re excited to go shopping and hunting.”
The Aug. 17 event runs at all seven VOA Michigan locations, including stores in Burton, Lansing, Marshall and Westland. Hourly raffle prizes include gift cards redeemable in-store. More information is available at VOAMI.org.