Giving and taking for the goodness of all
By Garrett Christensen on Friday, November 18th, 2022 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
LA GRANDE – Thrift stores are more than just places to find used clothes, furniture and maybe the odd trinket, they’re a hub for charity and donations. With the temperatures dropping and holiday spirit kicking in, now is the perfect time to know who’s giving back to the community and how they’re doing it.
People Helping People is sticking to their namesake with both planned and case-by-case instances of charity. During the Holiday Season, staff are happy to support those in need in any way they can, both by providing Christmas-related items and simply letting people warm up in the store so long as it’s open.
Beyond the holiday, People Helping People are happy to help the homeless by providing a set of clothing from the dollar section and have even provided tents and sleeping bags in the past to help combat the cold. Those living on the streets with pets will also find water and blankets available for their little companions. Staff have also pooled together tip money before to help support those in dire need of respite. As one staff member described:
“Last month we helped a gentleman who didn’t have anywhere to go. He was homeless. He had a colostomy bag and a couple other things and wasn’t doing very good in life in general. So, we added all the tips together and we paid for that gentleman to have two nights in a hotel room. People bring donations to us, so we freely give them out just as much as they’re given.”
Moving to the other side of town, Bugs and Butterflies has its own history of charity and outreach. Serving La Grande for over 22 years, one of Bug’s and Butterflies’ largest contributions is their free coat donations. Racks are placed out front of the store where, in addition to the store’s own coats, passersby can drop off unwanted coats and those in need can just as easily pick them up 24 hours a day. Other outreach efforts during their time in La Grande include the coats for kids drive and the neighbor-to-neighbor program.
Owner Jennifer Duncan doesn’t just give back to the individuals in the community but fellow organizations as well, such as People Helping People and Shelter From the Storm. Notably, as mentioned in a previous article, Jennifer donated racks, hangers and the sandwich board sign to Tina Richardson at Life’s Little Treasures when the new store first opened. As Jennifer explained:
“I try to support any and all thrift stores that start. I kind of feel like the grandmother of thrift stores since I’ve been here so long. When she got going, she didn’t have a lot, so I gave her a bunch of racks and signage for outside and inside along with hangers. I really want all the thrift stores to be successful. I think when you are a thrift shopper, you may have your favorites, but you still go to all of them.”
Bugs and Butterflies is located at 1009 Adams Ave and People Helping People is located at 2635 Bearco Loop.
