Langley is becoming home to a growing number of thrift stores as people find there’s value in reusing items while at the same time help causes.
As well, there are usually volunteer opportunities with the various groups that operate thrift stores.
Pinching pennies
The largest local operation is run by the Langley Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. Penny Pinchers recently relocated to 20550 Fraser Hwy.
“All the money we raise stays in Langley for our hospital and has been for the last 67 years,†said Diane Thornton, president of the auxiliary.
The auxiliary purchased the former Coast Capital Savings buildings. It quietly opened its doors this spring in its new larger space and now has a grand opening celebration on May 8.
Donations of clean, sellable items are accepted. The thrift shop cannot accept: beds/mattresses, large furniture, car seats, cribs, exercise equipment, large appliances, microwave ovens, television sets, encyclopedias, large speakers, and window blinds.
New kid on the block
Within days of Penny Pinchers moving from its 56th Avenue location this spring, the New Hope Thrift Shop was open.
The shop at 20211 56nd Ave. raises funds for the New Hope for Children.
“We have three orphanages that we support,†said store founder Ben de Regt.
He and his wife Henny have 25 years experience with thrift shops, and when they found out the location was becoming available, rented it.
They had been collecting donations and storing them in Abbotsford in preparation for opening a store in this area.
The store is staffed by volunteers, about 60 to 70 of them, and is open six days a week, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed Sundays).
De Regt said he hopes the store can raise $150,000 to $200,000 per year to support the three orphanages.
The de Regts were on a visit to Mexico when they found out about New Hope.
“That’s how this started, my wife and I were there,†he said.
It takes an army
The Salvation Army, a Christian charity in operation around the world, has a handful of operations in Langley.
Salvation Army Warehouse and Thrift Store is at 19733 96th Ave. For a complete list of accepted items, go to www.thriftstore.ca or call the store.
Langley Salvation Army Thrift Store at 19868 Langley Bypass closed in March.
The Salvation Army Thrift Store at 3111 272nd St. in Aldergrove raises funds specifically for the Gateway of Hope shelter on the Langley Bypass.
Hospice helper
Second Story Treasures in Walnut Grove is run by the Langley Hospice Society. Donate or shop at the store at suite 5, 20349 88th Ave.
Tuk Shop
The Langley Seniors’ Resource Centre Tuk Shop is open Monday to Friday 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Tuk Shop is a vitally important part of the fundraising at the non-profit seniors’ centre.
In 2014 the tuk shop, run by volunteers, raised $29,783.43.
All proceeds go directly to LSRS. Contact the centre at 604-530-3020.
Biblical bargains
The Bibles For Missions Thrift Store at 5785 200th St. raises funds for the Bibles for Missions Foundation.
Learn more about its international work at www.bfmthriftstores.ca.
Langley Lodge
The auxiliary to the Langley Care Foundation hosts book sales and New2U sales of household and decor items, and women’s clothes and accessories several times each year.
Watch the Langley Advance What’s On listings or check langleylodge.org.
The funds raised benefit Langley Lodge residents and the sales take place at the seniors’ complex care facility, 5451 204th St.
Mission work
The BC International Response thrift shop funds mission work. It’s at 203rd Street and 57th Avenue.
Health help
Fibromyalgia Well Spring Thrift Shop always earns top marks in the Langley Advance readers polls and raises funds for the Fibromyalgia Wellspring Foundation which helps people with the disease.
The site at 20631 Fraser Hwy. is also the foundation office.
When is helping not helpful
Not all thrift stores accept all items. Check with each before taking items and only donate working, clean, sellable stuff.
Most thrift shops are not set up to accept donations except during hours of operation. Items left overnights and when shops are closed are often stolen, rummaged through, damaged and unusable. The charities must then shoulder the cost of disposal.
The Recyling Council of B.C. has a website (www.rcbc.ca), a mobile app and phone numbers (604-RECYCLE or toll free 1-800-667-4321) to help people keep items from the landfill, whether that’s donating to a thrift shop or finding a recycling program.
The council has information on the various recycling programs for various things like light fixtures, small appliances, computers, electronics, paint, glass, light bulbs, large furniture, building materials, and mattresses.