Story by Abby Taylor
October 24, 2025
Remember last month when we asked for your thoughts on giving and receiving secondhand gifts? Well, you delivered with over 400 responses!
Thanks to your feedback from the survey, we discovered that about 60% of you are excited about giving secondhand gifts and many of you are curious and open to trying it out. We're thrilled to be on this secondhand gifting journey with you and to help make your gift shopping even more meaningful and affordable.
Still on the fence about secondhand gift-giving? Let us help you out! Here are a few great reasons to add MCC Thrift to your gift shopping list this year:
- Affordable finds: Who doesn’t love a great deal? At MCC Thrift, you can snag thoughtful, budget-friendly and high-value gifts without breaking the bank.
- One-of-a-kind treasures: Our shelves are full of unique items you won’t find anywhere else. The thrill of discovering that perfect piece is what makes secondhand shopping so fun!
- Finding the 'perfect gift': Whether it’s a rare collectible or something that speaks to a person’s personality, there’s something special about giving a gift that seems like it was perfectly made for your loved one.
- Eco-friendly choices: Shopping secondhand is a great way to reduce waste and do something good for the planet while crossing names off your list!
- Giving back: Every purchase helps fund MCC projects around the world. So not only are you finding great gifts, but you’re also making a positive impact globally. (And we love that too!)
- Thrifting for thrifters: Know someone who loves to thrift? Surprise them with a gift from MCC Thrift to show you really get them!
Can you see yourself in any of these reasons? Whether it's the thrill of the hunt, the joy of finding something unique or knowing you're supporting a great cause, there’s something magical about secondhand shopping. Next time you're searching for the perfect gift, why not stop by MCC Thrift and see what treasures you might uncover? You never know what gem is waiting for you!
Here are some thrift gift ideas to tuck away for your next trip: - Books with a personal note:
- A pre-loved classic or a special edition can make a thoughtful, unique gift, especially when paired with a personal note inside the cover.
- Vintage home décor: Look for one-of-a-kind pieces like retro vases, mirrors, artwork or picture frames that can add a personal touch to anyone’s space.
- Quirky mugs and kitchenware: These are great for those who appreciate something a bit different and love items that have some character.
- Board games and puzzles: Perfect for families, and often a hidden treasure at a thrift shop!
The best part is when you shop with us, you’re not only finding incredible gifts but also supporting MCC projects that make a difference in the world. Every purchase helps fund relief, development and peace efforts worldwide. That’s a gift in itself!
In the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in 2017, 80% of Puerto Rico’s crops were destroyed, causing severe food shortages across the island. Because you support your local thrift shop, an MCC partner was able to help restore and cultivate new agricultural spaces while fostering a sense of community in the town of Caguas. MCC partner Urbe Apie is working to renew abandoned, dilapidated areas and transform them into spaces for social, cultural, and economic development.
One project your thrift purchases have made possible in Puerto Rico is the MCC-supported community garden, Huerto Feliz, an urban oasis that doubles as a community hub. Here, residents can come together to contribute, participate and build resilience in a neighborhood still facing the challenges of gentrification and climate change.
Learn more about this project and how you can help them on their journey.
As part of our ongoing commitment to care for God’s creation, MCC wants to encourage you to talk about climate change. But it's not always easy to have these conversations. Join us to learn more about how to have these conversations with your congregation, community, family or friends. Over the next few weeks, we'll be sending an email series with tips and resources on how to navigate differences and uncover shared beliefs and interests. Be a brave peacemaker: Talk climate, practice peace! Sign up today.