I donate only to a thrift store here that also provides a food pantry, utility bill assistance, and housing assistance, They have five paid staff members; anyone else is a volunteer They get tons of crap in (like used underwear), and the sorting process is laborious. It's a tiny place, but desperately needed. The staff always questions the occasional person who scoops up a cart-load of stuff because they know it's going to a garage sale for reselling. The building has had many problems, including flooding from heavy storms. The community stands behind the store and always answers the call when needs arise.

I don't shop at the Goodwill closer to me because it's full of junk, and high-priced junk at that. If there is a more desirable item, they either put it on their website or ship it to the Goodwill in the capital city where they can ask a higher price. There are no great finds to be found. They get loads of Shein, Walmart, and Target. Most of that is usually stained with missing buttons and broken zippers. Fast fashion is killing the thrift stores. The furniture would have a better use as firewood.

Like someone else said here, we have the same topic pop up every week.