Every vintage piece carries a story, a spark of nostalgia, and a glimpse into another time. What makes thrifting even more special is knowing that every item you find not only reduces waste but also brings new life and personality to your wardrobe and home. Fashion has a way of connecting people through shared memories, styles that come back around, and the joy of finding something that feels like it was meant just for you. It’s a special feeling when someone compliments your look and you can say it’s one of a kind, a piece that’s been loved before and isn’t made anymore. Nonprofits and community thrift stores take pride in being treasure troves of timeless finds, offering donated clothing for sale - and in Big Reuse’s case, furniture, building materials, home goods, books, and a large variety of other items as well - while helping people discover the beauty of reuse and the connections that come with it.
Nonprofits That Keep Vintage Treasures Alive
Across New York City, nonprofit thrift stores give secondhand pieces new stories while supporting meaningful causes. Here are a few places where your next vintage find helps make a difference. NeON Clothing Closet
Brooklyn Area
Big Reuse
1 12th Street, Gowanus, Brooklyn, NY 11215 / bigreuse.org (+ a new location coming soon to 378 Troutman St in Bushwick, Brooklyn!)
Big Reuse is an environmental nonprofit dedicated to fighting climate change through community-based environmental and zero-waste initiatives. In addition to their Reuse Center, an environmental thrift shop in Gowanus, Brooklyn, and their soon-to-be opened Bushwick location, they host environmental programs across New York City, including composting, tree care, and zero-waste educational initiatives.
Life Boutique Thrift
515 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215 / https://www.chailifeline.org/
Life Boutique Thrift supports Chai Lifeline, a nonprofit that helps children with serious illnesses and their families by providing care, support, and community programs.
Peace by Peace Thrift Store and Community Center
6931 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11209 / www.peacebypiecethriftstores.org
This thrift store supports local families by providing affordable goods and funding community programs focused on empowerment, mental health, and neighborhood outreach.
Bronx Area
St. Stephen’s Thrift Shop
435 E 238th Street, Bronx, NY 10470 / https://www.ststephenswoodlawn.com/
This community-based thrift shop is connected with local church initiatives, supporting outreach programs that serve Bronx residents in need.
Manhattan
Vintage Thrift
286 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10010 / vintagethriftshop.org
Vintage Thrift supports the United Jewish Council of the East Side, funding community and senior programs.
Cure Thrift Shop
91 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10003 / curethriftshop.com
This East Village shop donates its proceeds to diabetes research and awareness initiatives, helping advance medical support and advocacy for people living with type 1 diabetes.
City Opera Thrift Shop
222 East 23rd Street, New York, NY 10010 / https://cityoperathriftshop.org/
Proceeds from this shop help sustain the New York City Opera, supporting performances and arts programs throughout the city.
The Sharing Place Thrift Store
333 E 115th St, New York, NY 10029 / thesharingplacenyc.com
Operated by LSA Family Health Service, this store funds programs that support low-income families in East Harlem through food, health, and educational resources.
Queens Area
Bayside Thrift Shop
44-02 217th Street, Bayside, NY 11361 / Bayside Thrift Shop
A local charity shop that works with neighborhood organizations to support families and reduce waste by keeping reusable goods in circulation.
Multiple Locations
The Salvation Army Thrift Store & Donation Center
salvationarmyusa.org
Sales from donated goods support The Salvation Army’s social service programs, including food assistance, shelters, and rehabilitation centers.
Housing Works Thrift Shops
www.housingworks.org
Housing Works uses its thrift shop proceeds to support people affected by HIV/AIDS and homelessness through housing, healthcare, and advocacy programs.
Habitat for Humanity NYC ReStore
habitatnycwc.org/restore
Proceeds from ReStore help fund Habitat for Humanity’s work in building affordable homes and strengthening communities throughout New York City.
NeON Clothing Closets
nyc.gov/neon/clothing-closet
Run by the NYC Department of Probation, these clothing closets provide free, gently used clothing to job seekers and families across the city.