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2956-A Randolph Ave , Costa Mesa • ( 714 ) 823-8622 WOOD | CARPET | STONE | GRANITE | TILE
seeking treatment , rides to and from treatments , and boosting diversity among cancer researchers .
CdM Discovery Shop manager Alyce Rippee says the store receives many antiques and family heirlooms . “ We recently had a bowl from Japan from the 1800s valued at $ 5,000 in sterling silver , and many porcelain pieces that are highly collectible ,” she says . “[ And ] we have had art valued at $ 35,000 ; jewelry up to $ 5,000 ; handbags by Dior , Chanel , YSL [ Yves Saint Laurent ], Prada [ and ] Fendi — all major designers . We receive many specialty pieces .”
In January , she had five new wedding gowns , originally priced from $ 3,000 to $ 28,000 , for sale at the shop for $ 150 to $ 2,500 . “ We are like no other thrift shop ,” she says . “ All of our donors are from this area and are very generous .”
Nonprofit Goodwill of Orange County is another big thrift store chain in the area , with a donation center in Newport and both a store and donation center in Costa Mesa . This zero-waste organization provides “ the fuel for [ its ] … mission and a training ground for people on their pathway to career growth and opportunities ,” says Victoria Tran , marketing and social media coordinator at OC Goodwill .
Founded in 1902 by the Rev . Edgar J . Helms in Boston , Goodwill Industries International opened an Orange County branch in 1924 . “[ We ]
encourage … people to shop secondhand and make environmentally conscious purchases ,” Tran says . By giving items the second chance they deserve and diverting millions of pounds from ending up in OC landfills each year , the nonprofit also discourages excessive consumption and makes a difference for community members .
“ We are able to provide consumers with a more affordable way of shopping for everyday items , minimize waste and lower carbon emissions . Not to mention , supporting people in the community with our life-changing programs and services funded by the sales made in our retail stores . We are proud to continue to pave the way for impact-driven secondhand shopping in OC ,” Tran says .
OC Goodwill marketing manager Menna Eshete adds that , “ People who shop at Goodwill of Orange County are helping community members … through services like one-on-one job coaching , career planning , work experience , introductions to top local employers and much more . … For every dollar spent at Goodwill thrift stores , 94 cents directly fund [ s ] our workforce development programs and services that help people in the community reach their fullest level of independence .”
“ Fashion can be a way to showcase individuality and a person ’ s values . OC Goodwill strives to create
Some treasures can also be found in the home goods aisle at thrift shops like Goodwill .
a greener planet and is a major advocate for sustainable fashion ,” Tran says . “ Shopping sustainably for clothes allows individuals to access a variety of clothing styles without contributing to the fast fashion industry ’ s negative impacts .”
Corrine Allen , chief operating officer of OC Goodwill , notes how the younger generations are “ embracing the uniqueness of thrifting ,” perhaps partly “ due to the power of social media .”
Thrift store shopping is a great way to keep up with current trends from popular stores while saving money . For those looking to upcycle old pieces and configure distinctive and personal outfits , a thrift store that doubles as a charity can provide inspiring motivation at the same time . NBM
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2956-A Randolph Ave , Costa Mesa • ( 714 ) 823-8622 WOOD | CARPET | STONE | GRANITE | TILE
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