NYC's 5 Best Charity Thrift Stores: Angel Street, Housing Works, More
Sure, in New York City, shopping can be fairly self-indulgent - not to mention pricey. If you're smart about it, however, you can make it a cost-effective and altruistic hobby. Manhattan is packed with thrift stores that use the sale of used/donated merchandise to support local charities. Here's where to start. By Kimberly Rae Miller.
Angel Street Thrift Shop
118 W 17th St
New York, NY 10011
(212) 229-0546
angelthriftshop.org
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If Chelsea is more your speed, check out the Angel Street Thrift Shop. It's got its fair share of designer options to choose from, and some great furniture finds as well. The store is neat and clean and free of that "musky" smell so many thrift shops come with.
Angel Street Thrift Shop
1383 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10021
(212) 772-8816
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If you love to rummage through racks and racks until you find the diamond in the rough this store is up your alley. Low prices, and good quality used pieces, this is the quintessential thrift shop. Proceeds go toward local charities.
Housing Works
Multiple locations throughout the city:
shophousingworks.com
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There are Housing Works thrift shops and each has its own distinct personality. Chances are if you're looking for something classy and tasteful you're going to want to hit up the uptown shops; if you need something unique and vintage, head downtown. There's much to be had in the genres of books, clothing, house-wares and furniture. One of the great elements of Housing Works is that they are highly trafficked which means that their turnover of new product is ideal for multiple stop-bys a week. You won't be staring at the same 1991 prom dress for 6 months -- things here go quick and are restocked even quicker. You can even browse merchandise and buy online. Proceeds go toward eliminating homelessness and HIV/AIDS.
Vintage Thrift
286 3rd Ave
New York, NY 10010
(212) 871-0777
vintagethriftshop.org
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This 3rd Ave gem is more like a museum than a store. If you're looking for true vintage bric-a-brac, clothing, and furniture - this is the place to go. Walking in the doors of Vintage Thrift is like going back in time. The merchandise inside is in great condition; most likely you'll go in expecting to browse and come out with a Madmen-era living room set. Proceeds support the UJC (United Jewish Council), a secular organization that provides meals to housebound seniors, community sponsored events, and shuttle bus service for the senior population of the Lower East Side.
St. Luke's Thrift Shop
487 Hudson St.
New York, NY 10014
(212) 924-9364
www.stlukeinthefields.org
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The West Village thrift shop sells a wide variety of items, ranging from furniture to books to accessories. Along with offering bargains, the thrift shop holds an altruistic purpose as well. All proceeds from purchases at St. Luke's Thrift Shop help to support St. Luke programs. For those looking to donate items, St. Luke's advises that it accepts "usable and resalable items, including: furniture (small items), clothing, accessories, and jewelry, shoes and house wares."
