How Thrifting Can Save Your New Year’s Resolutions
A new decade has begun, bringing with it a wave of hope that individuals can make a positive difference in their own lives through the infamous New Year’s Resolution. Well, we are halfway through January 2020, and maybe a few of us have, unfortunately, already started slipping. The good news is, there is a way to keep it up, and that way is… thrift shopping.
Here are four of the most common New Year’s resolutions that can be easily fulfilled by visiting your local thrift shop.
1. Get Fit
A thrift-store arm workout demonstrated by YouTuber, Beth Jones.
Thrift store inventory ranges from the mundane to the rare, but you will never know what treasures you will find unless you put in the steps to explore!
For example, St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store in Los Angeles is about the size of a football field! That is over 50,000 sq./ft. of vintage and modern clothing, working appliances, one-of-a-kind knickknacks, inexpensive cars, kid-approved toys and more. So grab some nutritious, fresh fruit from the stand outside our parking lot, and take a few laps around the store.
Want to make it more of a challenge? Add weight training to your cardio session by using a basket instead of a cart.
2. Learn Something New
Learn something new, or even provide knowledge to those seeking to learn this New Year! Thrift stores often serve a greater cause, many offering opportunities for the public. For example, St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store in Los Angeles offers programs in ESL, computer basics and leadership and public speaking support though a Toastmasters Club.
Our homeless shelter located near Los Angeles’ Skid Row offers various workshops and programs from nutrition to financial literacy to members of the Skid Row community. These programs vary depending on the volunteers. If you or someone you know would like to participate in these programs or if you would like to volunteer to facilitate a program, please visit our social services page on our website.
3. Get out of Debt and Save Money
One of our favorite resellers stocks up on merchandise.
If you can find it in a department store, you can find it and more in a thrift store for a fraction of the cost!
Thrift stores collect donations from department store surpluses, boutiques, grand estate sales, art studios, Hollywood prop houses and more. Although the inventory may be secondhand, it is often in good condition or easily upcycled.
Thrift stores have also become a bustling hub for people looking to making extra money as resellers. Wand to give it a try? Read this article, How to Profit as a Thrift Shop Reseller, and start the New Year with a little more money in your pocket.
4. Volunteer
Thrift shops, as previously mentioned, often serve as a means to fund a greater purpose. It makes thrift shopping even more guilt-free when you know revenue goes towards making the world a better place, one way or another. But what if you want to do more than just shop?
Visit the thrift store’s website or social media to see if their mission aligns with where you want to place your volunteer efforts, and, if so, sign up!
At St. Vincent de Paul, there are plenty of opportunities. People can volunteer at our children’s summer camp. Corporations and individuals can volunteer to provide a meal at our homeless shelter. Individuals can volunteer with our volunteer groups all across Southern California to bring relief to the homeless and those struggling financially. The possibilities are endless!
What better way to start the New Year than by helping others?
Camp counselors starting morning activities at our summer camp.
