Seven shops join in Assistance League Thrift Store Crawl.
We may all have heard the lyric “There’s no business like show business,” and that sentiment could be applied to the business of recycling, thrifting and giving back to those in need to strengthen our overall economy. Flagstaff has a thriving non-profit thrift store industry, and seven stores are coming together Aug. 1-17 for the second annual Thrift Store Crawl, marking National Non-Profit Thrift Store Day, Aug. 17.
In 2023, Assistance League Flagstaff (ALF) took the lead for the inaugural crawl, which included a proclamation from Mayor Becky Daggett extolling the benefits of recycling and the generosity of the organizations that raise money through thrift stores to help vulnerable adults and children, provide shelter for victims of domestic violence and create more affordable housing.
The tradition carries on this summer. Shoppers may pick up a 2024 Thrift Store Crawl Passport beginning Aug. 1 at the following locations:
- The Cedar Closet Thrift Shop, 2919 N. West Street
- Thrift for Goodness Sake, 2 South Beaver Street
- Hodge-Podge Thrift Store, 452 N. Switzer Canyon Drive
- Sharon’s Attic, 1926 Fourth Street
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore, 2016 N. Fourth Street
- FaithWorks Thrift Store, 2708 N. Fourth Street
- St. Vincent de Paul, 2113 N. East Street
Assistance League volunteers say participation is easy. “Collect a passport and get it stamped or punched at four or more of the participating stores,” said Assistance League Flagstaff Public Relations Chair Annie Conley. “After turning in your full Passport, you can receive a discount at the store of your choice, to be used on or before Aug. 17. You will also be entered in a drawing for a gift worth $50. Winners do not need to be present.”
The grand drawing will be conducted at the Cedar Closet Thrift Shop, Saturday, Aug. 17.
Assistance League volunteers say thrifting is the best way to reduce environmental waste caused by “fast fashion,” inexpensive clothing made with plastic-based materials that impact the environment when they break down in a landfill.
“Not only is thrifting a way to go green and find huge treasure for small money; it is fun!” said Conley. “You can create your own unique outfit, decorate with vintage décor or find that perfect toy for your child or grandchild.”
“I am so excited to be leading this cooperative effort among seven Flagstaff non-profit thrift stores,” said ALF member and Thrift Crawl Chairperson Lauri Gardner. “That is one more than last year! Cross promotion is great for our customers; it exposes thrifters to new locations. And the bottom line is that as we expand our customer base, we all raise more funds for the specific charities that we support. The Cedar Closet definitely saw an increase in shoppers during the 2023 Crawl, and many have kept coming back.”
Locals and visitors can pick up a copy of the Flagstaff Thrift Store Map at the Visitor Center in the train depot on Route 66, as well as at most thrift stores.
“We encourage you to crawl your way to find bargains at multiple shops, all the while knowing that you are helping support individuals and families in need in our community,” said Gardner. “The thrifting business is good business!” FBN
By Lynn Timmons Edwards, Special to FBN
Lynn Timmons Edwards is a volunteer for Assistance League Flagstaff.