With Donations Down, Crystal Thrift Store Hopes for Spring Cleaning Boost
As the saying goes, “one person’s junk is another person’s treasure.”
And at Legacy Thrift in Crystal, you can find plenty of treasures. Just ask Judy Field.
“Today, I got a plant and some napkins, but I do shop for my grandsons and my daughter and my neighbor,” said Field.
The Golden Valley resident has been on the hunt here for years.
“I do come just about every day,” she said.
Donations Down
These days, the hunt for thrifted goods may be less fruitful than times past.
“Donations are slow,” said Becky Hamoud, manager of Legacy Thrift. “It’s usually slow January, February, into March because of weather, because of a lot of people hunkering down but also going South.”
Hamoud said the store saw around a 30 to 40 percent drop in furniture donations over the winter.
“We are totally dependent on people donating,” she said. “We wouldn’t be here if it doesn’t come in the back door.”
Legacy Thrift is encouraging the community to keep them in mind as they tackle their spring cleaning.
The store doesn’t just wait for donations to arrive. They go out and get donations too.
Legacy Thrift has a truck that hits the road at least twice a week, going to homes and offices to pick up much-desired inventory.
“Within this area, we will send a truck out and pick up big pieces of furniture, that are donated, bedroom sets, living room sets, and if they sent other things with that too in boxes,” said Hamoud.
Donations were slow to come in during the winter at Legacy Thrift in Crystal. The shop hopes that changes as families start spring cleaning.
In It for the Long Run
Celebrating its 28th year in Crystal this year, Legacy Thrift has weathered its share of ups and downs, relying on a strong community of donors and a heavy dose of faith.
“I’ve been known to say, we’re down on couches, pray for couches, and then they’ll all look at me and say ‘Becky, quit praying’ because three will come in,” said Hamoud.
Hamoud expects they’ll be around for the long haul.
For bargain hunters like Judy Field that’s good news.
“There’s always something coming in, you never know,” said Field.
Legacy Thrift raises money for church planting and ministry efforts in Eastern Europe.
Hamoud said the store gives also clothing and shoe donations to help relief efforts in Ukraine.
Legacy Thrift Store Donation Hours
Legacy Thrift’s drop-off hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Its store hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., except on Thursdays when they stay open until 6 p.m.
