In communities like Greeley, thrift stores are more than just places to shop—they are anchors of generosity, creativity, and purpose. Two local standouts, arc Thrift Stores and The Bargain Box, exemplify how donated goods can become vehicles for lasting community impact. While their operations are different, both organizations are powered by a shared mission: turning secondhand items into first-rate support for Weld County residents.
A Shared Purpose, Two Unique Paths
Though similar in spirit, arc Thrift Stores and The Bargain Box operate with distinct structures. arc Thrift Stores is a nonprofit retail operation with 37 locations across Colorado. Though closely connected in name and mission, arc Thrift Stores and The Arc are separate entities—arc Thrift focuses on operating retail stores, while The Arc chapters provide advocacy and direct support services. The proceeds from its stores fund 15 independent chapters of The Arc, which advocate for and support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“Arc Thrift Stores exist to run successful retail operations that provide crucial funding to support the 15 Arc chapters statewide,” explains Maggie Scivicque, vice president of marketing and social corporate responsibility. “The work they do is diverse and community-specific. The thrift stores’ success allows those programs to thrive.”
The Bargain Box operates entirely through Volunteers Enriching Weld (VEW), a nonprofit powered by a dedicated volunteer team. The organization operates solely within Weld County, with every aspect—from staffing to fundraising—deeply rooted in local service. The store is a Gold Level nonprofit known for its transparency and community accountability. “At Volunteers Enriching Weld and The Bargain Box, we operate entirely with the support of volunteers,” the organization shares. “Every dollar we raise goes directly to benefit children and adults within the Greeley and Weld County community.”
Beyond Fashion: Donations That Matter
Unlike many thrift-focused stories that center around clothing, both The Bargain Box and arc Thrift Stores emphasize that their missions go well beyond fashion. The Bargain Box sells housewares, small appliances, books, games, home décor, seasonal items, toys, jewelry, and more—including craft supplies and fabric. While clothing remains a major component of their inventory, donations of all kinds are sorted, reused, and, in many cases, repurposed if not sold.
arc Thrift Stores offers a wide-ranging inventory as well, from furniture and home goods to vintage finds and gently used essentials. One of those chapters, The Arc of Northeast Colorado, uses the funding to run advocacy programs throughout the region, including IEP support in schools, social inclusion events, and sports programming like the No Limits Football Camp and Unified Basketball League. All services are provided at no cost to families.
Local Programs With Lasting Impact
One of those chapters, The Arc of Northeast Colorado, uses the funding to run advocacy programs throughout the region, including IEP support in schools, social inclusion events, and sports programming like the No Limits Football Camp and Unified Basketball League. All services are provided at no cost to families.
Every purchase at The Bargain Box directly supports VEW’s philanthropic programs, including:
- Clothing Children of Weld, which provides school uniforms for students in Title I schools within District 6.
- Color Me Weld, which offers creative materials to children in hospital waiting rooms as a calming, hands-on distraction.
- Additional funds and support go to senior initiatives, assault survivor kits, and more, based on community needs.
A Culture of Connection
Both organizations are also known for the relationships they build. The Bargain Box notes that many of their customers are "regulars" known by name, with some even traveling in from out of town because of the shop’s unique charm and consistent quality. At arc Thrift, collaborations with community influencers and disability advocates help amplify their mission and reach new audiences in meaningful ways.
As VEW shared, they are always looking for more volunteers and are proud of how much money they're able to reinvest locally.
More Than a Store
Whether browsing for books or donating gently used cookware, shoppers at arc Thrift Stores and The Bargain Box are participating in something far greater than a transaction. For those looking to clean out closets or shop with purpose, both organizations offer opportunities to give back through every purchase, every donation, and every shared story.
Learn more about these local organizations at ArcThriftStores.org, ArcOfNorthEastCo.org, and TheBargainBoxGreeley.com.