It’s the anticipation of discovering beautiful bargains that attracts me to area thrift shops. The merchandise is constantly changing thanks to a lot of Main Line Neighbors cleaning out closets and de-cluttering! And it’s great to know that my purchase benefits area charities.

Last Thanksgiving, we had a ton of relatives over. We set up three tables but only had dishes for two. We could have used paper plates but the thrift store solution was much more fun. At the Neighborhood League Shop in Wayne there were many interesting, elegant or practical dishes for sale and a wide selection of glassware, silverware and table decorations to make table #3 look special.

I’m often amazed at what people decide to part with. Excellent condition, recognizable brands, beautiful appearance at way below retail prices; two vases from Neighborhood League Shop are now my favorites. I find fun in mixing and matching items and making a lovely looking table for everyone to enjoy.

It’s almost spring cleaning time. I’ll drop off gently used items at one of the shops below. It’s a way to help raise funds for programs in the community and helps find appreciative homes for my hard-to-part-with and gently used items. Knowing that they’ll find new homes makes letting them go much easier, especially things that bring back memories of the kids.

Below are a few of the many thrift stores close to home. Be creative, find a bargain and benefit area service organizations at the same time. It’s a win-win for all Main Line Neighbors!

Neighborhood League Shop, Wayne – benefits Peter’s Place, Wayne Senior Center, Radnor A Better Chance, Women’s Resource Center, Inner Faith Hospitality Network of Main Line and Tredyffrin Easttown’s Flite Education Program.

Bryn Mawr Hospital Thrift Shop, Bryn Mawr – benefits Bryn Mawr Hospital. There are lots of gently used furniture, lamps, rugs, men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, along with general household items, books, jewelry and silver items.

Marian’s Attic, King of Prussia – benefits Laurel House Domestic Violence Montgomery County Shelters and counseling. They feature clothing, sometimes including Kate Spade, Cole Haan, Coach handbags as well as decorative household items and furniture.

Goodwill Store & Donation Center, Berwyn – benefits Goodwill Industries to train people with physical and intellectual disabilities. There is a large selection of clothing, furniture and housewares.

Surrey Consignment Shop, Berwyn – benefits Surrey Services benefitting seniors in the community. Selling furniture and vintage clothing and furs, jewelry, rugs, china, lamps. Sign up for their weekly emails featuring new items: sh*******@su************.org

Cradles to Crayons – Cradles to Crayons can use gently used children’s clothing, shoes, toys, school supplies.  They accept sizes from newborn to adult medium and up to size 9/5 shoes.  There is a convenient drop-off located at Kids Clubhouse of the Main Line:  150 N Radnor Chester Rd Suite F130, Wayne, PA 19087.

Penny Wise Thrift Shop, Ardmore – benefits Thomas Jefferson Hospital offers a wide range of houseware items, furniture, lamps, women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, hats, shawls, shoes.

Junior League Thrift, Ardmore – supports volunteerism for women and gives yearly grants to improve food security and health in greater Philadelphia. Year-round support goes to Apple A Day, Healthy Living Initiative, Empowering Your Health Fair, Kids in the Kitchen and Food to Families. Look for designer and non-designer clothing, handbags and shoes, furniture, houseware, art, men’s, women’s, children’s clothes, books and toys.

Hamper Shop, Narberth – benefits Lankenau Hospital has children’s clothes, toys, jewelry, furniture, kitchen items including china and glassware. Sell new shampoo, perfume, cologne, face masks, toiletries.

St. Alban’s Thrift Shop, Newtown Square – benefits CHOP Cancer Research, City Team Ministries, Episcopal Community Service, Freedom Valley Disability, Life Center of Eastern Delaware County, Newtown Fire Department, Women Against Abuse, St. Mark’s Emergency Food Center. Wide selection of household items, holiday themed items, children’s books, clothes, boots, hats, coats and $1. clearance.

Enjoy!
Jane