Hospice Organizations Can Make Money From Thrift Shops

On my recent vacation to Florida, I was hoping to leave work behind and free my mind a bit to unwind and enjoy the fresh Florida sunshine! When I decided to venture away from the beach and do some shopping and sightseeing, I noticed several Hospice thrift stores scattered throughout western Florida. So much for leaving work at home.

Even away from my job, I never forget why I love Hospice and everything it stands for. But I was intrigued as to what exactly a Hospice Thrift store was and I was determined to find out.

Outside of the store there was several items almost similar to a garage sale. Chocked full of baby items, old tables with mismatched chairs, and old retro sofas. Hmm? On the inside of the thrift store were clothes, shoes, jackets, toys, old records, dishes and even underwear! Underwear?

Ok I definitely know what a thrift store is, I frequent them often wherever I go and I always find a good deal.

I collect old dishes and old books amongst other oddities, and usually I know that the items I'm buying were either donated or brought there on consignment, it's easy to see where everything comes from and where everything is going.

But a Hospice thrift store? I asked the cashier what this place was all about. She said that they are a thrift store and rely solely on people to drop off their unwanted items for resale in the store. They also receive donations and throw always from department stores and different organizations.

Ok, so how do they actually make any money and where does it go? They make money off of the sale of the used items and according to the cashier they do pretty good, sometimes a few hundred dollars each day!

The thrift store thrives off of volunteers devoting their time and effort into running the store, keeping track of merchandise and keeping customer service thriving.

Almost all of the proceeds earned from the sale of the used goods, aside of the cost of actually keeping the store open and the electric bill on are donated to area hospices.

The Hospices gladly accept the money and this money is used to help those dealing with a life limiting illness. Hospice care is essential in helping those who are dying and those patients which may be turned away from facilities or patients who want to die at home with their dignity intact.

I think this is a brilliant idea and I wish I saw more of these organizations existed further north where I live.

Thrift shopping and resale of used items is a popular hobby for many and what better way to be doing something you love while being to help someone who is need.