Give a little, get a lot

The Cystic Fibrosis Thrift store on the corner of Fourth Street and Termino will be closing this Sunday due to the death of its owner. Cindy Anderson has leased the space to open Kava Yoga in September. In order to clear the space she is holding an "all you can carry" close out sale this Saturday and Sunday. For $15, shoppers can take whatever they want from the place. BYOB -- that's bring your own bag (or box). Doors open at 8 am and close 5 pm both days.

Recycling Christmas

After visiting St Vincent de Paul, I'm motivated to reduce, reuse, recycle this Christmas by shopping at the many wonderful secondhand stores we have in the Long Beach are. Top of my list is the GLITZ holiday shopping event at the Assistance League's Vintage Shop at 2100 E. Fourth Street. There will be big ticket items like furs as well as other likely candidates for holiday gifts. The event runs from Dec. 3 to 6.

I'm also going to check out Fabuless Consignment shop at 10779 Los Alamitos Boulevard. They advertise quality shoes jewelry and home decor.

Help yourself to deals and help others

Check out another feel good by doing good shopping experience at the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store at 2750 Pacific Coast Highway. They're having a huge Black Friday sale and are accepting donations of canned goods and new toys to brighten someone's holidays.

Online thrift stores

Here's a few Internet sources for secondhand goods. They all require setting up an account. Some will ship, but most require the buyer to arrange pick-up.
Shop Goodwill (auctions a la eBay)
Shop Housing Works (some auctions, some straight sales, benefits New York City Housing)
GovDeals (U.S. government surplus, each department has different procedures)
GovSales (the official site to buy government property)

A Funky Favorite Bites the Dust

Union War Surplus Store is going out of business after over 60 years. This place rivals Acres of Books in its longevity and funkiness. The motto was "If you need a battleship or a hunting knife, we have it or will get it." Don't laugh, there's enough junk in there to conceal a battleship, but it's always great to visit because you never know what unknown treasure you might.

New place to rummage

Just saw an ad for a new Society of St. Vincent De Paul Thrift Store. It's at 2750 Pacific Coast Highway, the former site of Al Greenwood's Bredspread Kingdom. Hours are 9:30 to 6:30 Monday to Saturday and 10 to 6:30 on Sunday. Plus they offer 10% discounts for those of us over 55 on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
See you there.