VOAMI Thrift Stores: Shopping for a Cause

Your purchases benefit more than your style

Volunteers of America Michigan Thrift Stores have more than 3,000 new items on sale daily. These items are generously donated by community members like YOU. For every sale of donated items, the proceeds support the vital social services in our home communities.

Anna, who started as a customer at the South Cedar Lansing Thrift Store, loved the store so much that she decided to apply to work there. As she celebrates her one-year anniversary at the store, she shares how important the VOA mission is in her work.

“My dad was in the service, as were my brothers. When I found out about the store serving veterans, I knew this was where I was meant to be. When I am talking or praying with customers, it is my gift. This is my purpose in life, to serve our customers and our community. I’m so glad I work here.”

Carmen, the Regional Manager, reflects on the joy her role at VOAMI brings her and the difference she sees every day " Shopping at VOAMI Thrift I saw that business could be a true positive force in our communities. From the pictures of social service clients on store walls I could tell my purchases made a difference in the lives of the most vulnerable in Michigan. Taking in donations I witnessed how much is recycled through VOAMI Thrift stores. Just knowing how many lives we better in our community is so fulfilling to be able to come to work every day!"

Other VOAMI thrift employees have been with the organization for more than a decade. Sharon has been working on the production team with thrift for over 18 years. She loves that every day is something different to discover, whether it’s a vintage item or something brand new. When she is not sorting items, she loves greeting the “regulars” that stop by.

“We have a lady named, Barb, but we call her the puzzle lady. She lives down the street and comes in every day to get a new puzzle. Everyone knows her and she loves to say hi to us. We know everyone around here and it’s a great community to be a part of.”

Whether you have been on staff for a year or almost 20 years, there is always something new and exciting about thrift. When you shop at one of the 100% non-profit VOA thrift stores, YOU are helping homeless veterans, aging seniors and families rebuild their lives. Check out one of our stores today to learn more about how you can impact your community, and don’t forget to say “Hi!” to the team!