Consider Ohio car donation on National Thrift Shopping Day

You may be asking yourself, “Wait, I can donate my car?” Why yes, you can.

Hi there! It’s me, Debbie, your thrifting mentor. What better day is there to donate your vehicle than on National Thrift Shopping Day? This year the unofficial holiday falls on Thursday, Aug. 17. In case it’s your first time thrift shopping — or “bargain hunting” as it’s often called — here’s a look at some things you may come across when you shop at one of our thrift stores.

Sound like a pro, learn the lingo

You’ve seen me use words such as “thrifting” and “thrift stores,” so let me break down these, and some other terms, for you.

  • “Thrift stores” are shops that sell donated and gently used clothes, shoes, houseware, and more.
  • “Thrifting” refers to shopping for/donating items at/to thrift stores.

Do you feel like a thrifter yet? Oh, that’s right, you’re new at this — thrifters are those who shop at thrift stores for betters and bricky … I should probably explain those terms too, shouldn’t I? “Betters” are designer items for sale in thrift stores, while “bricky” refers to items that aren’t clothing, such as:

  • Picture frames
  • Glassware
  • Pots and pans
  • Blankets, sheets and pillowcases
  • Curtains and drapes
  • Craft supplies
  • Musical instruments
  • Small working appliances
  • Tools
  • Sports equipment
  • Bicycles
  • Vehicles

Eighty percent of all the donated clothes and household items are priced at $2.99 or less and are not left on the sales floor for more than six weeks so that the three- to four-thousand new items we receive daily can be added.

Vehicles, as you may have already guessed, are not sold on the sales floor but rather at auction. All proceeds from Ohio car donation help to provide addiction support, reading programs, shelter for the homeless, job training and veteran programs.

What you won’t see at our thrift stores

Now that we’ve gone over what donation items we accept to be sold in our thrift stores, let’s look at a few items you won’t see for sale, just in case you’re curious:

  • Larger household appliances (e.g. washers and dryers)
  • Larger kitchen appliances (e.g. stoves, ovens and refrigerators)
  • Larger electronics (e.g. televisions)
  • Bedroom furniture (e.g. bed frames, box springs and mattresses)

The best time to go thrift shopping

If you can’t make it on Monday for National Thrift Shopping Day, try Aug. 25 instead! The last Tuesday of each month is “Half-Price Tuesday” in which all betters, bricky and thrift-store items are 50 percent off. For thrifters seeking deals-and-steals any ol’ time, most of our locations are open seven days a week.

What thrifting means to your community

You may be asking yourself, “Why donate my car, or why shop at thrift stores?” The reason is simple. I call it “thrifting with a purpose.” Not only is thrifting cost effective for you — the thrifter — but it’s also a great way to give away items you no longer use in order to benefit others. Not only will those never-worn pair of jeans or overgrown pair of shoes be sold at one of our 11 thrift stores, 100 percent of the proceeds support our services. Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio’s service programs help homeless children, adults, families, and veterans in your community. Make a difference by simply voiding your cupboards, drawers, closets and garages of those unwanted or unused items.

Ohio car donation provides hope to others

Forget the hassle of selling your car, motorcycle, boat, RV, or lawn mower, for that matter. With three simple ways to donate, you can directly and positively impact the lives of others — and it has never been easier. Donate your vehicle online, by phone, or in person (depending on your area). Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio will even pick up your vehicle for you — to schedule, complete the online form or call 1 (800) 862-6030. We also offer free, same-day towing from Ohio’s major metropolitan areas: Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, Mansfield, Sandusky, and Toledo.

It’s only with your help that we’re able to give a chance — and ultimately hope — to those in need. Whether you’re thrift shopping on Aug. 17, getting involved, or donating your vehicle, you allow us to change lives every day.