The Sharing Place Thrift Store
For more than ten years, LSA’s thrift store, The Sharing Place, has been a popular destination in East Harlem for those needing good quality clothing, house wares, toys and books at very low prices. It is not just a thrift shop, but also a warm, welcoming place where neighbors meet and greet each other, helping to create a stronger sense of community in our neighborhood.
Our neighbors tell us that The Sharing Place gives them the opportunity to shop with dignity even if they don’t have a lot of money. Additionally, as customers regularly shop at the store, their awareness of other LSA programs which can be helpful to them increases.
The growth of The Sharing Place over the last ten years has been remarkable. What began in the mid-1990’s as a once-a-month sale in a church basement has today blossomed into a vibrant gathering place where, on average, over 700 customers a week are served. Staffed by nine full-time, three part-time and three volunteer workers, the store also provides enriching opportunities for employees to practice their English, learn about a retail business, and develop a variety of skills.
Since moving in 2004 to its current, handicap-accessible location in LSA’s building, the store has made many improvements. Through back-to-school sales and special holiday shopping days exclusively for LSA clients, it has enhanced its ability to meet the needs of our clients.
The store has also enhanced its methods of cultivating and maintaining relationships with its donors. Through thank you letters and regular mailing updates, donors are now consistently recognized for their contributions. In turn, we have also had donors stop by the store and remark how well organized it is, and seeing the store in action seems to help insure donor loyalty and bring in regular donations.
These enhanced outreach efforts allow The Sharing Place to more effectively work toward its central goal: to work with our donors so that, together, we can help families to become self-sustaining, contributing members of the community, and help create and nurture a network of families committed to building a stronger and healthier East Harlem.
Learn how to make a donation to The Sharing Place
The Sharing Place’s photo gallery
