Blair Fraley Sales Store
Resource Circle: The Gift of Thrift B
eing “resourceful” has long been considered an admirable quality, one that Americans initially attained through necessity. During certain periods in our country’s history, thriftiness was required, especially in times of economic downturns; during WWII, frugality was considered patriotic, as our country united to conserve resources for the sake of the “war effort.” Today, most of the “stuff ” we desire is readily accessible; yet, we’re aware that the natural resources that go into producing new stuff are finite. As stewards of our shared planet, we all can understand and appreciate the need to get creative with resource management. For example, we can purchase used goods, upcycle older materials, and donate our own spare goods for others to use. Here in our area, we’re fortunate to have some wonderful thrift stores that are stocked with affordable, pre-owned products. Shopping these stores is great for the pocketbook, but an additional advantage to spending your dollars at our local thrift stores is that you support important causes in our local community. You find bargains, the community benefits—everyone wins!
Top Ten Reasons to Visit Local Thrift Stores this Season: Contribute to Kids | The Blair Fraley Sales Store in Crossnore is one of the largest resale shops in the High Country. Here you’ll find a great variety of high quality, second-hand selections. When you shop at the Blair Fraley Sales Store, you “help make miracles happen for children in need”—all the money you spend will benefit The Crossnore School, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization providing residential foster care for children in crisis from North Carolina. https://www.crossnore.org/sales-store/
Take a Stand for the Animals | Want to dig up some treasures? The Watauga Humane Society’s Bare Bones Boutique thrift store offers the community a place to bring unwanted or unused items that are then resold with all funds going to benefit the animals. “The store is entirely staffed by volunteers and stocked with the generous donations of our community,” says store volunteer Karen Keys. “Our resale store embraces recycling and upcycling and we enjoy finding new homes for gently used
By Tamara S. Randolph
items.” Over in Avery County, the Paws & Claws Resale Shop brings in funds for the animals at the Avery Humane Society. “We want to move things out quickly so we can make room for new items,” said store manager Patti Manning. “Discriminating sale shoppers visit us regularly.” https://wataugahumane.org/bare_bones_boutique; https://www.facebook.com/averyhumanepawsnclaws
Help Build Homes for Families | Habitat for Humanity’s thrift store, ReStore, offers several locations in our area, including Watauga and Avery counties. Shopping for furniture? ReStore has an excellent collection. You can donate your own used furniture, appliances, household items, and building materials to the ReStore—donations are tax deductible and all profits support the home building efforts of Habitat for Humanity. “Our goal is to turn donated items into funds to further our mission, while also eliminating things of value going to the landfill,” says Avery Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore staff. http://www.averycohfh.org/get-involved/restore; https://restore.wataugahabitat.org/home
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