The Village Thrift Shop might appear to be an average resale shop, but the services it provides go far beyond simply sales.
How it works
The thrift shop, which opened in Porter in 2013, offers individuals with intellectual and developmental 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 nonprofit that offers a number of support services aimed at helping individuals with disabilities 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 benefit 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 floor, 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 that volunteer and work opportunities are not restricted to Villagers. Individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities are welcome to volunteer at the nonprofit, 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.”
Additionally, Boyd said individuals who wish to donate furniture can request that the nonprofit pick the item up by emailing a photo of it to [email protected].
For monetary donations, Boyd said individuals can donate either through the nonprofit’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 different,” Reiss said. “They're just such a joy to work with, and I learned a lot from them as well.”
