As the temperatures drop and autumn leaves begin to line Milligan’s campus, some students are looking for alternative ways to prepare their wardrobe for the changing seasons. Whether it’s a weekend long event or a quick trip between classes, thrift shopping has become a popular retail alternative for college students. Despite the Goodwill and Salvation Army stores spread across the region, the Family Promise Thrift Store in Johnson City tends to top the list for Milligan’s student body.
The Family Promise Thrift Store is operated by Family Promise of Greater Johnson City, a social services organization with a mission “to help low-income families experiencing various hardships achieve sustainable independence.” The money earned at the thrift store provides income to help support this mission.
“I think the most obvious reason it’s the favorite is because of the pricing,” junior Alyssa Buczynski said. “Basic clothing is a dollar, coats and purses are two dollars. There was a bin of 50 cent shoes even. I don’t think I have ever seen anything exceed five dollars there.”
The thrift store’s layout is as unique as its pricing. While clothing and accessories are in the main building with the checkout, other items like home goods, artwork, and books can be found across the breezeway.
“Some people don’t realize that ‘the hunt’ is a huge part of the draw for second hand stores,” sophomore Sydney Reeder said. “It isn’t just the low prices. You want to find that impossibly unique item, or that classic wardrobe piece, and you know at Family Promise this can happen at the small cost of a dollar.”
While the price certainly is a plus, the community outreach is the main selling point for junior Katherine Allan.
“Last time I went, they had a shelf with free food items,” Allan said. “Right next to it was a bin of free dry clothes. It was cool to see their willingness to meet people’s needs, no strings attached.”
The store is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and accepts donations during store hours.