America’s Thrift Stores opened its newest store yesterday at 270 Bobby Jones Expressway, next to Walmart. When ABD arrived around 11 yesterday morning, more than 100 shoppers were perusing the aisles.
The Augusta store will accept donations of gently used clothing, electronics, and household goods, restocking more than 10,000 new items every day – playing off its tagline, “Where it’s a new store everyday!”
“We are so excited to be extending our partnership with The Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta to the Augusta area,” said Ken Sobaski, CEO of America’s Thrift Stores. “We look forward to collecting as many donations of gently used clothing and household items as possible as doing so benefits our partners and ultimately helps sick children. We are confident that together with The Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta we will grow our presence and ability to improve donation opportunities in Augusta and surrounding areas.”
According to Sobaski, their Atlanta store donated nearly half a million dollars to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. “With our new store opening in Augusta, we’re looking forward to raising even more money for them this year.”
What’s the difference in a for-profit like America’s Thrift Stores which provides charitable donations and nonprofits like Salvation Army and Goodwill?
The Salvation Army of Augusta uses 82% of the proceeds for general ministry according to their 1099, an IRS tax form used for charitable organizations, including shelters, paying food bills for the food insecure, and providing clothing for people who can’t afford to buy it.
In the case of Goodwill of Middle Georgia and the CSRA (there are 7 retail stores in the CSRA) the money made from the sale of donated goods goes even further.
- 10,000 people were served through job training, education programs, and career services.
- More than 3,800 people were placed in jobs in the CSRA.
- Through donations to be reused, more than 14 million pounds were diverted from local landfills in Middle GA and the CSRA.
“We like to refer to our retail social enterprises as “retail training stores” vs. thrift stores, as we have launched thousands of career paths that begin in our donated goods training areas and then progress through Goodwill career coaching and education into middle-skill careers with other CSRA companies,” explained Jim Stiff, President of Goodwill of Middle Georgia and the CSRA.
Donating clothing and other items is better for the environment than trashing them to end up in a landfill. With several options available, it’s up to you to determine the best way to support your community or for what matters most to you and your family.
