EAST END COMMUNITY THRIFT
Working hand-in-hand for peace with the Thomas Merton Center

(412) 361-6010
5123 Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15224

Thrifty need for the month:

Spring clothes for women and children

The East End Community Thrift (Thrifty) is an all volunteer-run thrift shop which provides quality, low cost used clothing and household goods to the surrounding community.  Since its inception in 1993, Thrifty has worked with area homeless programs to offer their residents vouchers to shop free for items they need for themselves and their families.

We are a community service site for many organizations, such as Renewal.  Senior citizens from The National Urban League (formerly AARP) are an integral part of Thrifty, overseeing many of the daily operations at the store. 

We are always looking for volunteers.  If you can volunteer your time and strength (or have a donation), please don't hesitate to contact us (ask for Shirley or Dolly). After hours and on Saturdays, you can reach Shawna at shawnapgh@aol.com or (412)721-6811.

We appreciate your donations more than you know, but please do not leave donations outside the door if Thrifty is closed!

Donation guidelines for East End Community Thrift

The store's inventory depends on the free donations of good people like you. Donations are always welcome and can be accepted during the working hours  -  Tuesdays thru Fridays, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and Saturdays - 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.  Provided below is a helpful guideline for "one's junk/another's treasure."

1. Before taking a donation anywhere, think about the reason you are getting rid of it first. Is it in such bad shape that no-one else would want it either?

2. Complete computer systems are preferred (monitor, keyboard, mouse included), as well as printers and programs with instruction manuals.
Good Will Industries has a store on the South Side that refurbishes out of date computers.

3. Check all clothing for rips, stains, and smells.

4. When donating baby items, it's important that safety be the first priority. Please include directions with cribs, car seats, and playpens.

5. Check books and magazines for ripped, warped pages and mildew smells. Please remove address labels from magazines.

6. Over-the-counter medications should not be past the expiration date, and beauty products - such as lipstick and rouge - should be new.

7. It is illegal for second-hand stores to sell food items.

8. Furniture should be in good condition (though minor flaws are okay) and include all parts.

9. We cannot use the following: paint, hangers, records, or broken electronics.

10. East End Community Thrift does not accept donations in February or July, as we are doing inventory during those months. However, we always accept both furniture and men's and children's clothing, including during those months.