If you love stumbling across that gold nugget in a pile of rocks, you’re probably a fan of second-hand stores. Here are two of Thornton’s biggest names in affordable finds!
1. Arc Thrift Store
9131 North Washington St., Thornton
(303) 450-4220
www.arcthrift.com
This Colorado-owned and operated store benefits people with both intellectual and developmental disabilities and sells items in 11 departments: men’s clothing, ladies’ clothing, children’s clothing, accessories, shoes, jewelry, linens, housewares, books, toys and furniture. The store runs regular specials, including senior discounts on Tuesdays, a different color price tag each week to indicate items that are half off, and half off most items every other Saturday (with some exclusions). The store accepts donation of clothing, household items and furniture with the option for curbside pickup by calling 303-238-JANE or scheduling it online through the website. Many people don’t know that you can also donate cars, motorcycles and recreational vehicles! Just call 1-877-272-7212. To see a list of things that can’t be donated, visit the website and click on “donation.” And don’t worry if you donate something that doesn’t sell. Arc is one of the state’s largest recyclers. To keep unpurchased items (e.g., clothes, books, toys, shoes, handbags) out of the landfill, Arc sends them to places like Africa, Asia and India where they will be used by someone who truly needs them. Arc also participates in #FeedColorado March 1-April 1. The program, which benefits Volunteers of America’s meals on Wheels and City Harvest food bank, accepts non-perishable food items, such as rice, beans, pasta, peanut butter, canned good, etc. Know someone who loves second-hand shopping? Arc offers gift cards too!
2. Goodwill Thornton
550 E. 102nd Ave., Thornton
(720) 929-0835
www.goodwilldenver.com
Goodwill is more than a thrift store. It has provided education, career development and employment opportunities to more than 27,000 Coloradans in need. But for those seeking a good deal, Goodwill sells quality used clothing, household goods and collectibles, among other things. To find extra savings, check out the online calendar to see which color tags are 50% off for the week. In addition, there are discounts for seniors (15% off daily and 25% off on Mondays); military (15% off every day); teachers (15% off every day with a school ID); Club Blue discounts (which offers, among other things, a birthday discount); and Facebook promotions.