Hero Story

For 90 years the Ann Arbor Thrift Shop has operated a retail resale shop operated 100% by volunteers.
Since 1932 the Ann Arbor Thrift Shop has accepted donated goods and which are curated, displayed and sold in a retail shop. The proceeds to support the individual and family emergency needs of the Ann Arbor community. The Thrift Shop is staffed by all volunteers, currently approximately 300. For 90 years the organization has been managed and operated entirely by volunteers.
Items sold generate significant dollars which are given to the community through grants to 501c3 organizations to support housing and utility emergencies, food insecurity and health needs. The Thrift Shop provides support to clients who have limited resources and limited advocates.
In 2022/2023 fiscal year the Thrift Shop gave over $438,000 to the community in grants to 17 agencies.
The volunteers work six days a week to receive donations of gently used clothing for women, men and children, books, housewares, shoes, jewelry and accessories. In addition to staffing the shop, volunteers also manage the business from financial record keeping, to cleaning to marketing.
This is truly a massive volunteer effort with the dollars generated being given back to the community.