Celebrate National Thrift Shop Day

National Thrift Shop Day, which is recognized annually on Aug. 17, celebrates the joy of finding affordable, one-of-a-kind items, and raising funds to support charitable organizations. In the 2023 ThredUp Resale Report, 52% of consumers shopped second-hand apparel in 2022. With an influx of younger generations focused on the impact of their carbon footprint and a constantly shifting economy, the second-hand industry is forecasted to nearly double in the next four years.

In California, hospital volunteer auxiliaries and programs operate thrift shops to support their hospital and community needs. In honor of National Thrift Shop Day, CAHHS asked two long-standing thrift stores — Antelope Valley Medical Center’s New to You (NTY) in Lancaster and Grossmont Hospital Volunteer Auxiliary’s Thrift Korral (TK) in La Mesa — about their current operations. Read their responses below.

How long has the thrift store been in operation?

NTY: Started by a group of volunteers, the New to You Thrift Store has been in operation since 1971.

TK: Opened the doors of its first location on March 17, 1992, and now resides at its third location.

How big is the store?

NTY: More than 3,000 square feet.

TK: Operates both shop and storage in 10,000 square feet.

How many volunteers support the thrift store?

NTY: Entirely staffed by volunteers, currently 12 volunteers support store operations.

TK: Currently operates with 45 volunteers.

How much has the thrift store contributed to the hospital?

NTY: In its 50-year history, combined with the Auxiliary department, the New to You thrift store has been able to donate over $4 million to the hospital for items such as critical care beds, lift equipment, ultrasound machines, and crash carts to name a few. Most recently, the Auxiliary department presented a check to the hospital for $75,000.

TK: Since 1992, more than $1.5 million has been donated in support of many hospital projects, including the Burr Heart & Vascular Center and the upcoming Neuroscience Center.

Aside from the hospital, what other organizations does the thrift store support?

NTY: None at this time. Primary support is provided to the hospital.

TK: Sharp HospiceCare residential hospice homes and East County Transitional Living Center

What donations does the thrift store accept?

NTY: Donors may drop off new and gently used items to support the Antelope Valley community. The store accepts fashion accessories, shoes, household items, kitchenware, small tools, jewelry, DVDs, CDs, arts & crafts, and a variety of clothing items.

TK: Furniture, clothing, housewares, books, artwork, tools, shoes, holiday items, collectibles, children’s clothing and toys, medical care items including walkers, wheelchairs, and shower chairs are all accepted. Donations can be dropped off directly at the store, can be arranged to be picked up as needed, or dropped off at specialty donation events hosted by the Auxiliary.

What are the thrift store’s best-selling items?

NTY: Clothing

TK: Furniture, housewares, and clothing

What are some of the best sales offered?

NTY: Every Thursday is 50% off. Just a very few items are not half off due to their value.

TK: 20% off everything in the shop on National Thrift Shop Day (Aug. 17) and Customer Appreciation Day (held annually in the spring).

What is the most rewarding, significant, or one-time contribution the thrift store provided?

NTY: The thrift store is a staple in our community, and recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. It’s rewarding to provide our young volunteers with the skills they need for their future, all while fulfilling a community need.

TK: The shop supports Sharp Grossmont Hospital’s “Discharge with Dignity” program, which provides clothing and shoes for the discharging patients who are experiencing homelessness or others in need.

For more information about New to You or Thrift Korral, contact them directly:

New To You
44256 10th St West
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 942-4119
Monday-Friday | 10 a.m.-5 p.m.