Frugal Family: Saving Money for a Good Cause

The Kids Clothesline sale has been the talk of the town for weeks. It’s a sale, which is held twice each year, calling all parents who are eager to make a few bucks on their children’s used clothing, shoes, toys and books. Shoppers anticipate huge savings on items, which would usually cost three to four times as much in retail establishments.

However, this sale is not the end-all, be-all savings opportunity in our area. Some may not realize it, but local second-hand thrift stores offer many of these items at comparable prices – every single day.

Here is a list of thrift stores at which frugal families are sure to save a buck, whether it’s on children’s clothing, shoes, toys, and books, or household wares, furniture, electronics, and music for the adults in the home.

Even better, many of these stores benefit specific causes.

Goodwill stores supply jobs to people with special needs. Profits fund job training, employment placement services and other community programs.

Goodwill Industries International, Inc.:

• Tilghman Sq. Shopping Center, 4634 Broadway, Allentown
• 7720 Main St., Suites 1 & 2, Fogelsville
• 3926 Linden St., Rt. 191, Bethlehem
• Country Sq. Shopping Center, 240 South West End Blvd., Quakertown (1/2 price Wednesdays!)

Via of the Lehigh Valley is a local chain of thrift stores supporting children and adults with disabilities like autism, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome. Serving the community since 1954, Via’s staff help individuals and families from birth through retirement focusing in Children’s Services, Community Connections and Employment.

Via of the Lehigh Valley Thrift Stores:

• Stefko Blvd. Shopping Center, 1862 Stefko Blvd., Bethlehem
• 859 Nazareth Pike, Nazareth
• 1583 Lehigh Street, Allentown
• 1401 Broadway, Fountain Hill
• 2285 Schoenersville Road, Bethlehem

Salvation Army supports programs that help with disaster relief, missing persons, rehabilitation programs, and fighting human trafficking, among other missions.

Salvation Army:

• 144 North 8th Street, Allentown
• , Bethlehem

If you’ve never ventured to one of these money-saving establishments, it’s time you do. You might be surprised by the treasures you find.