"Thrift Stores" and Charities

[SplashsMom]

This little scenario occurred at one of my thrift's morning staff meetings:

The manager proposed we color-code a series of shelves in accordance with the gay pride flag and label each shelf with the meaning of its color.

OK- I am in the middle of (very small town) hick WI but spent too many years in the "burbs" of Chicago so I should know better.
What are the meanings of the colors?

You will always have people who will go out of their way to patronize a store that supports a cause, even if they would never shop there if it was just a resale or "generic" thrift, and you will have people who will avoid a store based on its affiliations.
I think the management of the store needs to stand for their beliefs and mission. If color coding is a way to express your mission, go for it.

I wish I knew more about how the funds from our local charity thrifts actually do funnel down to help real people.
Personally I know that our Vinnies helps pay heating bills and supliments medical costs for deserving persons.
But what Goodwill does, other than hire some people without any experience, I have no idea. What other programs do they sponsor?
No one in the store could tell me either.

Do all Goodwill stores help in the same ways?

[Thrift Envy]

What are the meanings of the colors?

The first rainbow flag was created in '78 by San Fransisco artist, Gilbert Baker. It had eight stripes: pink (sexuality), red (life), orange (healing), yellow (sunlight), green (nature), turquoise (magic), indigo/blue (serenity), and violet (spirit).

[el rojo grande]

Here is the official word from Goodwill on what they do:

http://www.goodwill.org/page/guest/about/whatwedo

This discussion is interesting. Who knew it would lead to such strong opinions.

I think we can all/mostly agree that a store that claims a charitable affiliation really should be able to document that claim. Other than that I agree with the others that
thrifting, no matter what the store, provides:

fun recreation
recycling opportunities
museums in which you can handle objects
opportunities for socializing
fun and quirky clothes and home decor
serious finds on a budget
a way to shake your fist at the clothes houses, and fashion trend setters
and of course the fun of finding  "that thing you always wanted, and never thought you would find".

Keep on thrifting!

[valleythriftshopper]

I love how I am always learning something new from shopping at thrifts.  I am a big fan of vintage Gurley novelty candles.  I picked up a large Christmas tree candle that looked like a Gurley at the food bank thrift today for 50 cents.  It had a Tavern candle label on the bottom.  After looking it up I learned that Tavern candles were made in the 30's & 40's and became Gurley in the 1950's, I never heard of Tavern before.  And it only cost me 50 cents for the history lesson!