Hillsdale Community Thrift

By Angela Hebert

Over $150,000—that’s how much Hillsdale Community Thrift (HCT) has given back to the community since it opened in November of 2018. That was the mission from the beginning; the community was lacking a place to get essential items quickly. That’s what the store offers, a place where the community can donate their unused or unwanted items for those in need to come and get the essentials, such as clothes, furniture, and home necessities.

Hillsdale Community Thrift remains self-operational, covering high monthly expenses of two locations that could only be supported by the community when they donate to or purchase from the store. HCT keeps prices low on essential items making them accessible to all. Other nonessential items such home décor and collectibles are priced intentionally but fairly to help the non-profit sustain. The employees work very hard to be conscientious of prices and want to make it a deal for customers. They spend a lot of time researching prices on items to be considerate of the customers but also to be able to continue the mission.

Hillsdale Community Thrift has been able to help support other non-profits and community organizations by helping supply items needed for their clients free of charge. For example, when homeless veterans and community members are housed, HCT has been able to give the items needed to start their homes. Give clothes and extra supplies to classrooms/schools with students in need. When families experience house fires, they can come to the store and get a week's worth of clothes for each member of the family.

Hillsdale Community Thrift also gives back to the community by having recurring sales at the store and warehouse. To name a few:

• Veterans’ discount is every day.

• Every 3rd Monday of the month - free pair of shoes

• Mondays & Tuesdays - senior discount

• Tuesday - double loyalty points

• Wednesday - five free books

• Saturday - five free CDs

• Specialty sales daily—check Hillsdale Community Thrift Facebook page.

HCT increased their support for community members struggling with homelessness when the city council approved the ordinance that prohibited them from staying/camping on city/public property. Those who choose to follow the rules set by HCT are allowed to stay on the property behind the store which is called Camp Hope because they are JUST HOMELESS NOT HOPELESS.

To name a few rules, they must all comply with no illegal substance use and must pass a drug test. They must actively be looking for a job and working with agencies/community organizations to better their current situation. Almost all have been approved for section 8 housing but there are no places available. Hillsdale Community Thrift has helped pay for or provided transportation for campers to get legal documents such as drivers licenses, birth certificates, and social security cards. We’ve taken campers to doctor’s appointments, to jobs, and to rehab. Most of all, HCT have given these members of our community emotional support and encouragement to help themselves out of the situation they live in every day, giving them a leg up with a healthy support system. Camp Hope has had 60 people stay since April.

Some ways community members could help support Hillsdale Community Thrift is by continuing to donate and shop at the store and warehouse, donating basic items for those struggling with homelessness (see list below), donating time working in the store, or helping with the campers by providing guidance or transportation.

We need:

• Shampoo (men’s and women’s)

• Deodorant (men’s and women’s)

• Body soap (men’s and women’s)

• New socks (men’s and women’s)

• Body wipes

• Laundry soap

• Canned veggies

• Canned fruit

• Canned soup

• Hamburger Helper

• Venison, beef, or chicken

• We also accept returnable cans/bottles to help pay for these items

• Toothpaste/toothbrushes

• Paper plates and paper bowls

• Plastic silverware

• Napkins/paper towel