ST. PAUL, Minn. — A metro nonprofit is making a difference by addressing unmet needs in the community for women and children.
Most of the Assistance League of Minneapolis/St. Paul’s funding comes from thrift store sales in Richfield. The store manager took WCCO’s Jennifer Mayerle behind the scenes.
Store manager Ann Derby keeps the shelves full. But this is not your ordinary store. Everything inside once belonged to someone else.
“Everything here is a donation. And some of it is incredibly expensive donations, but they’re done with it, I think,” Derby said.
There are two sides to the operation. Donations are coming in to the Assistance League thrift store.
That’s where the sorting happens. There are bins of shoes and clothing racks that are delivered daily.
Prices remain behind the scenes.
Next door is the thrift store run by members of the all-volunteer nonprofit. What is collected through sales here benefits the community.
“The majority of our money goes to programs here in Richfield, St. Paul and Minneapolis,” Derby said.
The non-profit organization conducts philanthropic programs in the areas of food, clothing, education and literacy. People say they come in for the lower price and the unique find.
“Whatever I can. I never have anything special. It’s always fun to watch,” said one customer.
Another said she was looking for “500 piece puzzles for my dad. He is 91 and loves puzzles.”
Everyone here contributes to the cause.
“I come every week, I never miss it,” said one woman.
And while it’s all about making an impact. Members say they keep it light. Making the space an inviting place where you feel good about where you shop.
“Everyone needs a purpose, I also like to give other people a purpose, to one day boost a customer’s morale with a new outfit,” said Derby.
Mayerle is a member of the Advisory Council for Assistance League of Minneapolis St. Paul. The thrift store is located on Penn Avenue South, across from the Richfield water tower. There is also an online store for more expensive items.
Jennifer Mayerle
