As shoppers continually look for bargains at Decatur area thrift stores, charities are in some cases supported by the sales.
The support starts with those who are willing to donate items to the stores, which then mark them ready for resale. Changes in the economy have kept donations flowing into Master's Touch Thrift Store at 1130 N. Main St., which has been at that location for seven years.
"We're really busy," owner Bud Felton said. "A lot of people are downsizing and moving. We're getting a lot of donations that way."
Funds from Master's Touch go to support Water Street Mission and other groups assisting the homeless. Felton said he finds helping the homeless to be worthwhile, and running the shop is a way of supporting the mission.
The Catholic Charities Resale Store at 239 W. Prairie Ave. tries to stock something for everybody, said Robin Murray, community services supervisor who oversees the shop's operation.
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"There's always a treasure to be found," Murray said. "Customers may come in two or three times a day because they know throughout the day different stuff is going out in the store. They never really know what they're going to find. The inventory changes daily."
The Decatur store is one of five resale stores in the Springfield diocese, Murray said. It goes to support the various programs Catholic Charities offers such as counseling, Meals on Wheels and senior activities, Murray said.
"It's a tremendous piece of our operation here," Murray said. "All of the revenues that we generate go right back into the organization to not only support the resale store, but it helps our other programs."
Merchandise is sold to the general public, but it also is given away to those who can't afford it, Murray said. The hope is to outfit those in need with necessities, so referrals from other agencies are accepted three days a week, Murray said.
Felton said Master's Touch accepts items such as furniture and appliances that other places might not. Appliances, in particular, help to set the store apart, Felton said.
After a slow start to the year, donations have kept coming into the store or if need be, volunteers will pick up items that can't just be put in a car, Felton said.
"We'll go out and get them," Felton said. "It seemed like the first part of the year was really slow. Then it started opening and now it's really coming in."
Murray has been pleased with the level of support for the Catholic Charities store.
"Donations have remained constant," Murray said. "We wouldn't be here without the generosity of the community."
Customers seem to be figuring out that they can find what they need and it's affordable, Murray said.
"The resale industry is an affordable avenue for folks that need to stretch their dollars," Murray said. "Customer numbers have picked up drastically over the last few years. More and more people are catching onto that."
The peak months usually are between September and December, Murray said. Winter items such as coats, hats, gloves and scarves are quickly selling, she said. Usual items include clothing, small housewares, linens, purses, shoes and sports equipment, Murray said.
It all makes for something that is seen as a service to the community.
"It's been such a staple and standard with Catholic Charities to have the resale store," Murray said. "We have a strong customer base and community support. It would be sorely missed if we weren't here, I would think."
