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Beverly Bergstrom is a front desk volunteer for our Spokane administrative office. She and her husband had donated to UGM for years, and one day,...
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Who doesn't love a good deal? And when you can get a good deal and impact lives at the same time...it’s that much better, right? At Union Gospel Mission Thrift Stores, the purchase of a piece of furniture or the donation of gently used clothing translates into food, shelter, medical care, and jobs for men, women, and children in need. Here are seven great reasons to donate and shop with UGM and support long-term life change.
1) Support your community
Money spent at the UGM Thrift Stores stays right here in the Inland Northwest. UGM seeks to help the local economy by providing jobs and facilitating programs that address homelessness and addiction in our community, creating change that helps our cities and those within it!
2) Live sustainably
Thrift shopping helps the environment! By buying quality secondhand items, you are helping to reduce waste, conserve resources, and give items new life. Next time you clean out your closet, drop off unneeded pieces at a UGM Thrift Store. And while you're here, check out what we have in stock to fill those gaps in your home.
3) Care for our guests
Our shelters have first dibs on all the items coming into our Thrift Stores; blankets, towels, pajamas, and coats get snatched up pretty quickly. Plus, shelter residents get to “shop” at the Thrift Stores at no cost to them. This gives them the pleasure of choosing what they really want or need for themselves and their children. Individuals who have completed the long-term recovery program receive a voucher to shop for furnishings for their new place when they move out.
4) Empower individuals through job training
The men and women living in our shelters often have numerous barriers to employment—felony records, poor work histories, addiction issues, limited skills and education. The UGM Thrift Stores give these people the opportunity to learn marketable skills, practice the basics of being on time, reliable and hard-working, and earn a positive reference. Currently, seven individuals from our shelters are employed at the UGM Thrift Stores.
5) Make a difference with every dollar
All proceeds that go beyond operating expenses go back into the ministry. In 2023, the Thrift Stores provided more than $1,090,000 to support UGM's services to those experiencing homelessness and addiction.
6) Create a welcoming culture
Volunteers, employees, volunteers, and shoppers share similar stories:
- “I believe in the ministry of UGM and wanted to be a part of helping people to become whole, redeemed in Christ, and contributing members of society. UGM does such a fabulous job of that.” - L.J., volunteer
- “It’s connection, friendship, a second family. Working here keeps me grounded.” – Crystal, employee
- “I don’t need to run around to other thrift stores looking for bargains. I like it here. The people – they’re like friends to me. I feel welcome.” – Linda, shopper
During meetings, employees pray for one another. Throughout the work week, they have the opportunity to pray for and with customers. And moment by moment, they have the assurance that they are contributing to a greater purpose; their work matters.
7) Reselling goods, rebuilding lives
Visit our Thrift Stores for exceptional items and impressive savings that support life transformation within our community.
- 20% discount for members of the military every day
- 20% discount for seniors on Wednesdays
- 20% discount for college students on Saturdays
- Plus, weekly specials and tag sales!
Locations
Downtown Spokane – 301 W. Boone Ave. | 509.326.3316
Spokane Valley – 11921 E. Sprague Ave. | 509.927.5905
Coeur d'Alene – 7761 N. Government Way | 208.664.2338
Donate. Shop. Save. And help those in need! Thank you for being a valued customer and supporter of Union Gospel Mission.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Closed Sunday.
Visit our Enterprises page for donation guidelines or to schedule a pickup.
Take a look at the UGM Marketplace page and view featured items at various enterprise locations!
Editor's Note: This post was originally published on January 10, 2018 and has been thoroughly updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
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