Thursday, October 19, 2006

Thrift stores thrive as families struggle - 10/18/06 - The Detroit News Online

Thrift stores thrive as families struggle - 10/18/06 - The Detroit News Online: "Thrift stores thrive as families struggle

Charities set up more clothing, furniture shops as ailing economy takes toll on working poor.

Christina Stolarz / The Detroit News


PONTIAC -- After three weeks of sleeping on a thin, foam mattress on the floor of his bare Pontiac home, William Lomax was ready to upgrade to a bed.

His limited income kept him away from traditional furniture stores. But the 60-year-old retired auditor found help in a different form -- the Furniture Bank, a Pontiac nonprofit organization that provides free basic furniture and household goods to those in need.

Michigan's struggling economy is one reason that the Furniture Bank -- and other thrift organizations such as the Salvation Army and Society of St. Vincent de Paul -- are expanding throughout Metro Detroit."

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