This July, the United States turns 250 years old. It's a milestone worth pausing for—not just to celebrate the fireworks and the flags, but to reflect on what this country has always stood for: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These three ideals have drawn people to American shores for centuries and continue to shape lives in quiet, meaningful ways. 

At Deseret Industries, those ideals show up every single day. 

A History Rooted in Hard Times 

To understand what Deseret Industries is today, it helps to understand our history. Deseret Industries was established in 1938 during the final years of the Great Depression, one of the most difficult economic periods in American history. Jobs were scarce, and families were struggling. The need for meaningful work and affordable goods was urgent. 

A news article following the launch of DI captured the founding vision clearly: "Deseret Industries is a[n] enterprise designed primarily to 'help others help themselves,' and can use any article which in its present condition, or when repaired, renovated, redecorated, or remade will be of value to another person and will provide a means of employment and support to many people" (“New Church Salvage Unit is Launched,” Deseret News, Aug. 13, 1938, 1). 

Deseret Industries was built as a direct response to that need as a place where people could find stable employment, learn new skills, and contribute to something larger than themselves. The thrift store was not designed to be just a store.

The American Dream, Quietly at Work 

The American dream looks different for everyone. For some, it means stability. For others, it means opportunity, a second chance, or simply a place to belong. At Deseret Industries, all of those versions exist under one roof. 

Among the associates working at Deseret Industries facilities—including our 46 retail locations, warehouse, sign shop, and the Humanitarian Center—are immigrants and refugees who came to the United States carrying little more than hope and determination. For many, Deseret Industries is their first job in America. The flexibility of the DI job training program has given single parents, caregivers, English learners, and those rebuilding their lives after hardship the chance to participate in the workforce while gaining marketable skills that will prepare them for future success.

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness 

The Founding Fathers couldn't have imagined everything that “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” would come to mean across 250 years of American history. But the thread running through it all is simple: people want to live with dignity and freedom, and they want to find meaning in the work they do for themselves and their families. 

At Deseret Industries, that pursuit is taken seriously. Associates set goals, work with operations supervisors and development counselors, and take important steps toward the futures they are building. Some are learning English. Some are earning certifications. Some are stepping into leadership for the very first time. Each of those moments is a step in their pursuit of happiness, and each is made possible by the support of a community that believes in giving individuals opportunities for success.

Celebrating 250 Years the Deseret Industries Way 

As the country marks 250 years of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness this Fourth of July, Deseret Industries will keep doing what it has always done since 1938: showing up for people, providing opportunities for development, and quietly living out the values that make this country worth celebrating. 

You can be part of making a difference too. Shop at your local Deseret Industries, donate gently used items, or learn more about the job training program that is changing lives every single day.