Michael and Cookie Gold, are the names behind TheThriftShopper.com, a website directory listing over 7,000 charity-based thriftshops all around the U.S.

They created the website for two reasons 1.) to align thrift-a-holics with their local thrift shops and 2.) webmaster/owner Michael explains (through the FAQ section of their site) they wanted to focus on charity-based thrift shops, because often times a person will “donate” or buy at a thrift shop thinking that their money or “donation” is going to a worthwhile cause when in fact the shop might be a for-profit resale shop.

Thrift shoppers are avid recyclers and love to find a good bargain on recycled clothing, many will turn what they find at a resale shop and make something else with the item and either re-sell it or keep it for themselves. Also many thrifters visit religiously their local shops and in turn help their local economies, which means they are eco-friendly shoppers, too.

Michael and cookie, have really made quite a community for those who thrift shop, you can meet other thrifters here, check out the members only section, start a discussion about regional shops here, or read their monthly National Thrifter Magazine.

To find a charity-based thrift shop near you, visit TheThriftShopper.com