Thrifting for a Cause

arc Thrift Stores are a Colorado-based thrift store chain. They have 32 store locations and 15 donation sites across the state. arc Thrift Stores‘ mission is to enhance the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They have developed several programs to achieve this goal. I chatted with Maggie Scivicque, arc’s Vice President of Marketing, to get more information about these incredible programs, the lives they impact, and the role thrifters, DIYers, sewists, and resellers play in all of it.

Meet Maggie and arc Thrift Stores

Officially, Maggie is arc’s VP of Marketing. However, the role she loves most is heading the Corporate Social Responsibility department. arc Thrift Stores joined forces with other non-profit organizations in the state of Colorado during the 2020 COVID-19 shutdowns to provide relief to people in need. They worked directly with shelters, hospitals, clinics, schools, and many other organizations to provide emergency supplies. They were instrumental in local mask-making efforts by providing sewing machines, fabrics, and notions to the sewists making the masks. Whenever they received a call from an organization, they pulled supplies from the closed retail stores and made sure those supplies were delivered to the organizations that could put them to beneficial use.

As the retail thrift scene began to bounce back post-COVID, arc Thrift was still receiving requests from the community. They made the decision to continue the social program, and today they work with non-profit groups and organizations to provide in-store vouchers for people to shop with dignity while keeping their identities private. This effort supports second-chance programs, wildfire victims, school districts, and so much more!

Here are a few of the programs and features that make arc special.

arc Academy

To support their mission, arc Thrift Stores has what they call arc Academy. This is an umbrella term that covers all the social programs they offer, including employment, education, and social activities for their ambassadors. arc ambassadors are people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are employed as team members at arc.

Recycling Program

Every day is Earth Day at arc Thrift Stores. They are proud to be one of Colorado’s largest recyclers. Repurposing and recycling are an important part of arc’s business model, and every year, arc keeps millions of pounds of goods out of Colorado’s landfills.

Podcast

In addition to all this amazing work, Maggie is also the host of the Get Thrifty podcast. This podcast is a must-listen source of inspiration for all those who love thrift, vintage, DIY, and collecting—and especially anyone who lives for finding one-of-a-kind, amazing treasures.

arc Thrift and the Creative Community

arc’s priority is always to help those in need. And Maggie believes there is more than enough to go around. There is a current overabundance of used stuff, and the cycle is cyclical: Donors shop and shoppers donate. The company loves to support local small businesses, refashioners, cosplayers, resellers, and upcyclers. And with the incredible growth in the number of young people thrifting, this relationship will only grow.

If you are looking for an affordable resource for your creative pursuits and hobbies, check out your local thrift store. You can save money, protect the planet, and support incredible programs like the ones arc Thrift sponsors in the Colorado community.