Hillsdale Community Thrift By Hännah Sayles

In autumn of 2018, our community gained an asset. Brian and Melissa DesJardin felt God leading them into a new direction. They prayed and Missy recalls that she “…felt that with God’s help, I could do better for this community.” Missy got in touch with the owner of the vacant building on the corner of Mechanic Street and Carleton Road and worked out a plan for free occupancy through the first six months with affordable rent after that. Within two years, Hillsdale Community Thrift signed a land contract to own the building. “I’ve always had a deep desire to help people,” said Missy. “If you are able to help, then you are morally obligated to do so.”

November 14 marked the three-year anniversary of helping people for Hillsdale Community Thrift. Their slogan— “nonprofit helping nonprofits”—is one of their greatest accomplishments. Keeping everything local is their goal while taking financial burden off local businesses who are trying to help the community also. By partnering with nonprofits such as DHS, CAA , Love INC, Do’Chas II, and Integro (to name a few), they are helping provide items for those in need. These local agencies refer clients with needs to Hillsdale Community Thrift where they receive essential household items for free. “If the local nonprofit shares a need, HCT will be there to provide it. All of this is possible because the community has stepped up and donated items or come in to shop, thus supporting this mission.”

HCT sells items donated by the community and their profits are given to the nonprofits of Hillsdale County, keeping everything local and right here in our community. They strive to keep their prices reasonable. On a normal day, they sell between 400 and 600 items and their average price range sits at about $2.21. Missy says with a look of amazement, “The amount of donations that come through is unbelievable. The community support has been so wonderful. That’s why we like to honor keeping the prices reasonable.” When asked what items can be donated, Missy said, “Pretty much anything. Really the only items we cannot take are mattresses, old box TVs and weapons.” She wants the community to know that if there is clothing you are wanting to donate but you don’t think it’s up to par, they still want it. They will recycle them. “Anything we can’t sell, we recycle so it doesn’t end up in a landfill,” she says. As for goals, the HCT store is now launching “Love Bucks” to help people to feel their worth, become part of the team, and to earn things they want. If people meet certain income criteria, they will be eligible to earn Love Bucks for the things they would like. They are now offering “The Loyalty Program” as well, where you sign in with your phone number and it keeps track of purchases. Every 100 points = $5 off your next purchase. There is also a future goal to open a food pantry, and as of now, there is a second thrift location available next to the railroad tracks at 90 W Fayette St. that will be open every Saturday through November and December.

Currently, over $17,000 in items has been provided to those in need. Veterans receive 10% off every day, seniors (60+) receive 10% off on Mondays and Tuesdays. Wednesdays offer 10 free books and students receive 10% off purchases! Open Monday – Saturday 9 am to 6 pm, closed on Sundays. Go to www.hillsdalecommunitythrift.org for a list of acceptable donation items and further information. Be sure to follow their Facebook and Instagram pages for sales and deals.