We at the SunriseGuide love consignment stores. Consignment shopping is a sustainable way to shop, helps to cut back on the amount of unwanted items that end up in landfills, gives new life to your “gently used” items, supports local economies, and saves shoppers money. And if that’s not enough reason to love them, some consignment stores are part of nonprofits, so your purchases help support charitable work in your community.
In the 2013 SunriseGuide, you’ll find coupons for the following consigment stores: Forget Me Nots in Falmouth, Kidz Clothesline in Brunswick, Material Objects in Portland, New Beginnings in Freeport, and Tots to Teens in Gorham. You’ll also find coupons for five charity resale stores in the Guide. They include the following.
Goodwill of Northern New England has 26 resale stores in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Purchases at all of those stores help to fund programs that help individuals achieve economic and social independence, through their brain injury rehabilitation services and programs to help people find work.
Catholic Charities Thrift Store in Portland supports the work of Catholic Charities of Maine, a nonprofit that strengthens individuals and families of all faiths through their community-based social services. When you make a purchase at their thrift store, you will help support with food assistance programs, elderly services, counseling services for individuals, and high quality child care and education.
The Habitat for Humanity ReStore (in Portland and Bath) is a “discount retail outlet open to the public that sells donated new and gently used building materials, appliances, and furniture at greatly reduced prices.” All of the profits from the ReStore support Habitat for Humanity’s home building projects in Greater Portland and Midcoast Maine.
Ruth’s Reusable Resources Public Store in Portland sells school and office supplies that have been donated by businesses at discounted prices. Proceeds from their public store support Ruth’s charitable work of providing schools and educators with affordable books, supplies, furniture, and computers.
“Outta the Box” in Kennebunk is a “cheap place to shop for the environmentally conscious, trendy and chic.” Their clothing, shoe, accessory, and home décor store supports The New School which is located next door; a democratic, community-based, eco-centered, independent high school.
This holiday season, consider buying clothes, toys, home goods, and other gifts for the people on your shopping list from a consignment store. It’s a great way to contribute to the season of charitable giving, and we guarantee you’ll find one-of-a-kind gifts for your loved ones.
