For nearly two decades, our TRU Thrift Shop has been weaving together three important threads: environmental sustainability, community service, and funding for compassionate care. For Earth Week (April 21-27), we’re excited to highlight how these threads come together to create something truly special in our Boulder community.
Earth Week Special: Donate & Save
This Earth Week, TRU Thrift Shop is offering a special “Donate & Save” initiative. When you bring in gently used items on our donation days (Wednesday 4/23, Friday 4/25, and Saturday 4/26), you’ll receive a voucher for 25% off a future day of shopping. It’s our way of saying “thank you” for supporting both our environment and our mission.
“Our commitment extends even beyond raising funds for compassionate care—we’re equally dedicated to environmental stewardship,” explains Lynn McCullough, TRU Thrift Shop Manager. “Earth Week provides the perfect opportunity to showcase how second-hand shopping supports both our community and our planet.”
Beyond Selling: Our Sustainability Mission
What many shoppers might not realize is just how far our commitment to sustainability extends. TRU Thrift Shop has developed an extensive network of community partnerships ensuring that nearly every donation finds its best possible second life.
At the heart of these efforts is TRU Thrift’s “Giving Room,” a dedicated space where volunteers carefully sort items that cannot be sold in-store but still have tremendous value. Through thoughtful partnerships with local organizations, these items are redirected to serve community needs:
- Sheets find new purpose at The Natural Funeral for their green burial services and at Faith Community Church as backings for quilts donated to people in need
- Baby clothes are shared with Gabriel House to support families
- Shoes go to Haven Ridge and Deacon’s Closet, supporting individuals experiencing homelessness
- Towels and toiletries make their way to All Roads (formerly the Boulder Shelter)
- Children’s books bring joy through Sister Carmen
Creative Repurposing at Work
TRU Thrift Shop volunteers Susan, Sally, and Leslie welcome customers on Earth Day.
TRU Thrift Shop volunteers are constantly finding innovative ways to give items new life. Some of their creative repurposing efforts have included:
- Selling t-shirts at a discount to groups who transform them into reusable shopping bags
- Denim has been repurposed as cabin insulation
- Towels and rags find new purpose in cleaning services for underserved communities, restaurant kitchens, and even as packing for punching bags and homes for feral rabbits
We also maintain a robust recycling program for materials that can’t be reused. Our dedicated volunteers regularly transport:
- Batteries, electronics, glassware, ceramics, and light bulbs to CHaRM
- Polystyrene and plastic bags to Eco Cycle
- Medical supplies and equipment to Good Health Will in Loveland
A Triple Bottom Line
When you shop at or donate to TRU Thrift Shop, you’re supporting a triple bottom line:
- Environmental impact: Reducing waste and giving items a second life
- Community benefit: Supporting local organizations serving those in need
- Compassionate care: Funding TRU Community Care’s essential end-of-life and supportive care services
In 2024, TRU Thrift Shop exceeded $1 million in revenue, with half directly funding the essential services that TRU Community Care provides to our neighbors.
“Every item donated or purchased represents a step toward a more sustainable future,” says McCullough. “We’re grateful to our community for supporting our dual mission of funding compassionate care while reducing waste.”
Visit Us This Earth Week
We invite you to visit TRU Thrift Shop during Earth Week, whether you’re dropping off donations, shopping for treasures, or simply curious about our sustainability initiatives. Our team is always happy to share more about our work and the impact it makes.
TRU Thrift Shop – TRUcare.org/thrift
Address: 5565 Arapahoe Avenue, Boulder, CO 80303
Phone: (303) 604-5353
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10am-5pm
Special Earth Week Donation Days: Wednesday 4/23, Friday 4/25, and Saturday 4/26
