From 1952 to 2011, the PTA Thrift Shop operated frugally as a nonprofit to serve the organization it was established to serve--PTAs in Chapel Hill-Carrboro. Disbursements during that time grew to $265,000 a year. However, with the construction of the new Carrboro store, disbursements in the six years since that time have been dismal, some years nothing at all was distributed to PTAs. Yet, the Thrift Shop board embarked on building another new building to support other (not PTAs) nonprofits. Most troubling of all, however, is that the Thrift Shop board has removed all PTA designated members so there is no PTA voice on the PTA Thrift Shop Board. The vote to make this change was made electronically which should raise huge red flags for everyone. The PTAs have now asked the thrift shop to remove PTA from the name since it is now embarked on other ventures.
Review from Guidestar
“PTA” Thrift Shop is no longer supporting PTAs of the Chapel Hill/Carrboro City Schools in the spirit of its mission. The Thrift Shop has failed to provide requested information to the CHCCS PTAs. The CHCCS PTA Council with the support of the families in the community have requested that they remove PTA from its name. This non-profit is misleading the community with its mission and it cannot continue.
Review from Guidestar
The PTA stores are great places to shop, and it's all for a good cause. If you're on a tight budget, this is the place to outfit your home and your family!
I have been involved with this organization since my now 27 year old daughter started kindergarten. First as a donor, then shopper (still a favorite place to find bargains!), PTA President liaison, then member of the Board of Directors. I can't say enough about what a great organization this is. In addition to keeping items out of the landfill; providing a way for people to find affordable, quality used goods; providing jobs; and providing a much needed source of funds for local PTAs, this organization manages to pay a living wage to employees. How great is that! In my many years of being an active community volunteer, the PTA Thrift Shop has been the most rewarding and provided the community with substantial positive impact. I just love this organization!
I have been a supporter, volunteer, and consumer at the Carrboro PTA Thrift Shop for over 30 yrs. it is a great store with a great mission of supporting our local schools whole providing low cost items to the community!
I relocated here to Chapel Hill 10 years ago in June 2005 and shortly after started working for a local nonprofit in the community. I immediately had the opportunity to meet the staff of our local PTA Thrift Shop in Chapel Hill and thought to myself how does this small yet amazing team offer such great services to the community, stakeholders and families they serve. The business model of the PTA TS is one of the best business models I have ever experienced for a nonprofit and take their position as a steward in the community seriously. I am also a parent in Orange County with one child finishing high school here and another soon to graduate. Both of my children are familiar with the thrift shop for many reasons and know how they make an impact in the schools. When our younger generation understand the importance of having this special nonprofit in the community it speaks volume. Always a smiling face and willingness to make a difference!
As a PTA mom and volunteer I can only begin to talk about the amazing impact the PTA Thrift Shop has had on our school system and our community. I've been volunteering for over 13 years in this wonderful organization and plan to support it well into the future even after my children move on in life! Each year I have watched as our PTAs received an amazing monetary gift that was used to support all the children in our schools. This money has covered the spectrum of uses from purchasing books and musical instruments, to supplementing playground equipment, to hiring artists and performers for Cultural Enrichment assemblies. Our PTAs have been stronger because of the support they receive from the PTA Thrift Shop. Plus, it's an awesome place to shop! It's a win for everyone!
This is a fabulous organization, and one of the best places to shop in our community! Founded in 1952, each year they give nearly all of their net profits back to the local school district, and have been doing so for over 60 years. In addition, they also give out thousands of dollars of free clothing and other goods via their basic needs voucher program. I enjoy stopping in both of their stores frequently because they get some fantastic items, and you never know what you will find there at a great price!
PTA Thrift Shop is a remarkable organization with broad reach and strong impact in the community. For more than sixty years this nonprofit has not only supported its own operations, but has provided direct financial support to area schools to address un-met needs. In addition, it provides in-kind support to human services organizations that support children and families. The PTA Thrift Shop has a compelling vision for doing even more for the community through its Nonprofit Collaborative Venture, which will benefit area youth. Rarely do we see such results and impact from a nonprofit organization!