The economy has been a mixed blessing for thrift stores across the nation and in Austin.
Over the past couple of years more and more people have been shopping at thrift stores; however, fewer people are donating items like they did in previous years.
"Our sales have increased and we've also seen a need almost double which unfortunately our donations haven't followed that same trend," said Paul Kleypas, general manager at St. Vincent de Paul.
Kleypas also told KVUE that the type of client is changing.
"Either because of a loss of a job or just because of the state of the economy their dollar doesn't go as far and they're now becoming used to be customers sometimes now they're clients," added Kleypas.
St. Vincent de Paul is not alone in this national trend.
Goodwill Industries of Central Texas has built several new stores in the area over the past few years. Some of that has to do with the fact that in 2008 donations were up 15 percent. According to Suzanha Pena with Goodwill Industries, donations are now down about 11 percent.
Starting Thursday through Sunday Goodwill is encouraging the community to participate in what they're calling "Weigh Good." It's an effort to get the community to come out in force to donate a total of 725,000 pounds of items from clothing, to computers, cars and motorcycles -- none of which have to be in working order.
"That will help probably put about 42 people with jobs in the community," said Pena.
People interested in helping with the "Weigh Good" effort are encouraged to show up to any of the 22 Goodwill Industries locations in Central Texas.
