So the hard work is done.  You’ve decluttered.  You’ve organized.  And now you have bags of donations waiting for the right home.  Now you could just drop them anywhere convenient but if you are looking to give back to this community and give those items new life, then head down to The Junior League of Philadelphia Thrift Shop in Ardmore.  They’ll take care of the rest…and you may even find some treasures to take home!

By Carrie Kauffman, Professional Organizer & Jennifer Travaglini, General Manager, Junior League of Philadelphia Thrift Shop

I help people declutter their homes and businesses, day in and day out.

Clothes, household items, music instruments, sports equipment, anything & everything. Out with the old, unused, unwanted.

Sometimes it’s one bag of miscellaneous items…others a car-full.  Every project is different.

But one thing never changes.  I call it “The million dollar question.”

“Where should I send my items for donation?”

Spoiler alert!  There are a million answers to this million dollar question.

I give clients a list.  It’s a mile long.  It includes large national charities, like Greendrop, Goodwill, Big Brothers Big Sisters…with local drop-off sites or scheduled pick-ups at your home or office.

But many clients prefer to support local businesses and charities that have a mission that they feel strongly about and service our local communities.  Every professional organizer worth their salt has a list for this as well.

Depending on your location and preferences, my clients have sent donations to Nana’s Atticin Broomall, where 100% of donations, sales and volunteer hours benefits the Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County, Inc. Similarly, Marian’s Atticin King of Prussia and Laurel’s Loftin Lansdale, PA also support domestic violence programs.

Personally, I’ve always had a great experience with The Junior League of Philadelphia Thrift Shop, in Ardmore.  It is stocked with gently used merchandise including designer clothing, jewelry, furniture, household items, toys and books. Proceeds from sales benefit the JLP’s community projects. JLP Thrift Shop is local to me so I’m happy to drop off items for myself, my clients and help a cause that I believe in: promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women, and improving our community.  Even better, my clients have the opportunity to consign their higher end items such as handbags and clothing to earn money back and support the JLP at the same time.

Jennifer Travaglini is the general manager at The Junior League of Philadelphia Thrift Shop.

“I’ve always claimed this to be my dream job: treasure hunting every day and not having to leave the store,” offers Jennifer.

Jennifer joined the Junior League of Philadelphia Thrift Shop as Manager almost two years ago. The thrift shop is the largest fundraiser for The Junior League of Philadelphia, Inc. (JLP). The JLP’s current focus is to improve food security through our Apple a Day Healthy Living Initiative^TM, creating a positive impact on the health and wellness of adults and children in the Greater Philadelphia area.

The Shop is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m with Sunday hours from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Donations are accepted Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There is not too much they will turn away. However, mattresses, cribs, printers, and tube TVs will not be accepted. Feel free to call the shop at 610-896-8828 if you are concerned about donating a particular item.

JLP is a “pay-it-forward” thrift shop. If they cannot use the donation, they give it to someone who can. Used towels and linens get sent weekly to the Providence Animal Shelter. Clothing, shoes, and handbags get sent to Planet Aid, and toiletries get forwarded to local women’s shelters.

Every donation counts in the lives of someone or something. The JLP takes pride in the relationships they’ve built with customers, donors, and local businesses that they support and who support them.

If you have not had the opportunity to check out the newly renovated JLP store, please stop down to 25 W. Lancaster Ave in Ardmore.  You can follow us on Instagram @jlpthriftor join our Facebook VIP selling group: JLP THRIFT SHOP VIP.

With The Junior League of Philadelphia, you don’t have to worry that your donations are going to find new life, new homes or even help those in need.  This is why they are always tops on my list!  If you stop by The JLP thrift shop, make sure you tell them that Carrie sent you!

 

About Carrie Kauffman

Carrie Kauffman is an award winning professional organizer, member of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals, Greater Philadelphia Chapter (NAPO-GPC) and owner of Carrie’s Essential Services, LLC. Carrie Kauffman provides organizing services, in homes & offices, on the Main Line and surrounding communities. Carrie’s Essential Servicesspecializes in moving & packing, preparing homes for sale, office setup including filing systems as well as general organizing & de-cluttering.

The Junior League of Philadelphia, Inc.(JLP) is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

The JLP is one of the leading community service organizations in the Greater Philadelphia area, with a diverse membership contributing a range of personal and professional experiences. It offers tested and groundbreaking programs that focus on the intersection of wellness and the natural environment.  Programs are developed to have maximum impact, using experts in the field and innovative partnerships.