Photography by Dan Austin
Hair by Hope Shoemaker of Reborn Blow-Dry Bar
Makeup byNaime De La Cruz of Venue Salon

Models:<
Natalie Feliciano – BMG<
Moe Banks – BMG
Taylor Kallnischkies

 

More important than finding one-of-a-kind fashion gems and designer pieces for a fraction of the cost, shopping at local thrift stores supports some all-star organizations making a significant difference in our community.

Jeans Peace River Center Thrift Shoppe | Shirt Goodwill | Sweater Goodwill | Accessories Vintage – Stylist’s Own

Being a philanthropist doesn’t mean you have to be a millionaire. It’s easy to think of a philanthropist as a super-wealthy person living in a huge mansion with loads of expendable cash.

But, really, every single time we choose to spend our money at a charitable thrift shop, we are giving back to our community, which essentially makes us philanthropists.

The charitable thrift shops in Lakeland fund everything from meals to clean beds for the homeless to providing low-to-no cost mental health care for people in our community that need it. Our support is truly essential in keeping these programs alive and healthy.

Choosing to shop second hand and donating your unwanted items to charity regularly keeps you in a mindset of giving back. And, to me, giving back just feels good.

Aside from that, we’re helping our planet. Every day, perfectly usable clothing and household items are thrown away. These discards then go into landfills. It is an unnecessary and destructive cycle that can be easily broken if we all do our part. 

Added bonus: you can find literal treasure while doing your part. I have personally found everything from vintage Chanel and Ralph Lauren to an antique vase that appraised for thousands. You just never know what you might find if you’re willing to look.

Shop where it counts.

Every single time we choose to spend our money at a charitable thrift shop, we are giving back to our community, which essentially makes us philanthropists.

Peace River Center Thrift Shoppe

2934 South Florida Avenue 
Lakeland, FL 33803
863.647.4224

Peace River provides low-to-no cost psychiatric services as well as domestic shelters, group homes, and rape recovery resources.

Pro tip – Do not let the shop’s size fool you. It’s small but mighty. Designer clothes abound!

 

You just never know what you might find if you’re willing to look.

Salvation Army Family Store

3915 South Florida Avenue

Lakeland, FL 33813

863.648.0047

This organization does everything from serving veterans and the homeless to stopping domestic abuse.

Pro tip – Every Wednesday is half-off day. Also, on every first Saturday of the month, you can buy by the pound! You can also make donations at this location.

Lighthouse Ministries Lakeland Family Store

711 North Florida Avenue

Lakeland, FL 33801

863.687.4076

Lighthouse Ministries provides food, clothing, shelter, and a variety of programs for the homeless communities in Central Florida.

Pro tip – Wednesday is sale day with many items being half off.

 

Our support is truly essential in keeping these programs alive and healthy.

Goodwill Lakeland Superstore

5411 South Florida Avenue

Lakeland, FL 33813

863.646.4301

Goodwill provides employment opportunities for people with disabilities as well as training programs for them as well.

Pro tip – I like to give a bag and take a bag. Spend a little time gathering up some unwanted items. They have a really easy drop off.