TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — One local organization took a big hit during the pandemic, but is still working to help the community.
Inside of White Elephant Thrift Store in Green Valley, you’ll find shoppers thrifting clothes, furniture, and jewelry---but it's more than just a thrift shop.
“I always say it's the perfect equation, it's the community of donors. And then all of our volunteers who get this all looking great and priced and cleaned up and looks beautiful and people want to buy it and find some treasures. And then the customers who come and shop," explained Karen Lavo, general manager.
Lavo said the sales made by customers fund grants for organizations along I-19.
On a regular year, White Elephant helps about 120 organizations.
This year they won’t be able to help as many, but they are still working to do what they can to help.
“We were closed for a total of six months, six and a half months, really. So we've lost more than a year, half a year of revenue,” she explained.
From the lack of volunteers to sort through the items donated due to the pandemic to the planning that went into re-opening safely — the thrift store is overcoming the challenges.
“The organizations will be receiving checks. And then next year we hope we get back on track and be almost may be normal, it would be nice to have a normal see to at all,” said Lavo.
The thrift store is closed over the holidays, but will reopen for shopping on January 4. They will resume donation drop-offs on January 6.