When people think of community service, thrifting is probably not the first idea they have. But if you are looking for fun and simple ways to serve others, thrifting might be the perfect service idea for you. Let’s explore some practical ways you can help your community through thrifting.

Create Care Packages for Those in Need 

Care packages are a fun and easy way to support people in need. The specific items you select will depend on the time of year and your community circumstances, but thrifting is a creative and inexpensive method. (And don’t forget to grab a basket for your care package!) Here are some ideas to get the creative juices flowing.

To know what needs exist for schoolchildren in your area, ask around in your community. You might consider reaching out to church congregations and local charities, which are often aware of community needs. 

Between backpacks, clothes, and school supplies, back-to-school season can be expensive. Thrifting can significantly reduce the cost while still providing quality goods needed to support getting an education.

You might associate back-to-school thrifting with clothing, but don’t overlook the office supply section! This area of the store is often underutilized. It might also be worth your time to swing by the book section to pick up some books for children in need or to replenish a local community library.

New Moms 

Ever notice that when someone you know is having a baby, it seems like everyone else is too? When this happens, it can be overwhelming to figure out or pay for gifts for all the baby showers you are invited to. Often, people go right to the registry. But if all the affordable options are selected, what do you do? 

While most people purchase items that will be used for the baby, don’t forget about the mom. Here are a few ideas: 

• Water bottles: Hydration is key for new moms, so check out the water bottle section of the store. You might surprise yourself and find some good name brands. 

• Robes: Something to keep her cozy during late-night feedings. 

• Blankets: A blanket is great for days when she may feel overwhelmed and just wants to curl up in something warm and fuzzy.

School Clothing  

Kids grow fast, and all mothers know that what fit their children last year probably won't work for the upcoming school year. That’s why thrifting is an affordable way to get durable children's clothing. Here are some steps to consider to help your community with this need: 

1. Ask around in your local community to find families that may need some help with school clothing. 

2. After identifying families with needs, ask what kinds of clothes the children like and what sizes to look for. 

3. Keep your eyes peeled on your thrifting trips for items that match. 

You might just find the perfect clothing item that can keep a child warm, happy, and excited about a new favorite outfit. 

Holiday Clothing 

Every holiday has its own fan group that likes dressing up for the season. However, it can be harder for people in need to justify purchases of holiday clothing. Thrifting holiday clothing for a family in need is a fun way to help others. Ask around in your local community and circles to know if a family could benefit from some fun seasonal clothing.  

• Christmas pajamas are a festive gift that get children excited for Christmas Morning. 

• Halloween costumes are a creative and exciting way to make sure more children can have a memorable trick-or-treating experience. 

• Patriotic shirts for patriotic holidays are a thoughtful way to make others feel included and supported.  

Donating for Community Support 

What if the clutter around your home could be used to support your community as well? By donating to your local Deseret Industries, you can do just that. Before your next thrifting trip, go around your home and place things you no longer need into a box. Then donate while on your shopping trip.

Your donation will support associates in the DI job training program and prepare them for better employment. Who knew that thrifting could be so fun while also doing so much good?