DAVIDSON—If having a garage sale, for the sake of getting rid of stuff and making a few extra bucks, isn’t your ideal way to spend a sunny Saturday, Russell and Angela Sparks have a deal for you.

Forget the garage sale and instead, consider donating those unwanted items to Revived Family Thrift Store, a not-for-profit enterprise the Sparks intend to open later this summer.

They plan on opening the store Aug. 14 on Washington Avenue in the spot formerly occupied by the Laundromat next to The Davidson Leader building.

They are seeking donations of gently used clothing, shoes, toys and household items.

“Everyone has at least five items of clothing they don’t wear,” Sparks said.

They will accept small appliances such as blenders or toasters, but ask that people do not donate furniture or major appliances.

“We’ve got less than 600 square feet,” Sparks said. “No pianos or organs, please.”

Nor will they accept books, magazines or music either.

Another consideration is that donations be in good condition and in working order. Clothes should be clean and unstained.

“There is lots of gently-used stuff out there. It’s either going to the landfill or to places like Value Village,” Sparks said.

He’d rather see it remain in the community where it may be purchased at low prices giving people without means an affordable way to buy goods they need.

“A lot of people are too proud to take a handout, but if you give them a good deal like a shirt for two bucks, they’ll take it,” Sparks said.

Proceeds from the sale of goods will first be used to pay the thrift store’s lease and then surplus funds will go back into the community to support local causes such as helping needy people with household repairs or supporting the DICA food vouchers and food hampers program.

To read more please see the June 18 print edition of The Davidson Leader.