 |
|
|
Thinking Back-to-School?
Think Secondhand First!
Visit Once Upon A Child and Goodwill for all your clothing needs
By Marjorie Preston • Today's Family Writer
 At this time of year, parents are thinking about the cost of new school clothes. Never fear, Today's Family has found some options for back-to-school clothes that will leave a little money in your wallet for all the school supplies, school bags, lunches and other things you'll need to save for.
Once Upon A Child
Linda Kessler has owned the Once Upon A Child (UOAC) locations in Westlake and Mentor for nineteen years. The store's motto is “kid’s stuff with previous experience” and it is the largest national chain of kids' resale clothing and other kids' items. Most items are gently used, and some items arrive with tags still on. In addition to the clothing, there is also equipment, books, games, DVDs, bedding and lots of baby gear available. Kessler says, “You might find a sweater pullover that sells for $40 retail at UOAC for $7.50 or Gap sweatshirt for $6.50-$7.50.” She says jeans range from $4.50 to $10.50 for name brands.
The store gives cash for your used items, as well. To sell to Once Upon a Child, Kessler asks that you bring in current styles, cleaned and neatly folded in a box or basket or on hangers. “Bring in clean toys with all the pieces, in working condition,” she says, “just as you would want to buy it.” For more information on Once Upon a Child, visit www.ouac.com or call (440) 951-7222.
Goodwill
Sixteen Ohio locations of Goodwill include Garfield Heights, Eastlake and Shaker Square, so there is one nearby. The store sells name-brand clothing and regular clothing at big discounts. Items have been donated used, brand-new with tags still on, or are from wholesale sources like BJ's Wholesale Club, Target and Joann Fabric. A long sleeved shirt might go for $3.50 and jeans $3.50 to $5. The stores also sell housewares.
Marisa Rohn, VP of Marketing and Fund Development of Goodwill Industries of Greater Cleveland and East Central Ohio, says there's another compelling reason to shop Goodwill, and that is Goodwill's focus on the programs you are giving to when you shop with them. The organization gives individuals with barriers to employment job placement, job coaching (going with the person to the job site), and other programs like living skills, social skills and art therapy programs. “When individuals shop and donate to Goodwill, they are making good skills possible,” Rohn says. “You are getting a great deal and you are helping someone build life and employment skills they need to succeed.”
You can also clean your closet and donate to Goodwill when you come to shop. The donations stay local as well as the revenues, so your donation or purchase helps make an impact on your neighbor. There is an additional attended donation center in Pepper Pike at 30950 Pinetree Road where an attendant can take your donation and give you a receipt.
For more information, visit www.goodwillclevecanton.org or call 1-800-942-3577.
 Print this story
Share this story:
Back to Previous Page
|
 |
|
|
|
