Saving big at secondhand stores

How many times have you been on Instagram and noticed someone posted a really cool item from a thrift store? Have you ever thought, "Maybe I should try!"

Go for it!

It's another option when shopping and looking to save.

I caught up with Melody Herren, digital media specialist for Goodwill for Western Missouri and Eastern Kansas , about the benefits of shopping secondhand.

She said some donated items are brought in new with tags still on them.

"There are a lot of things that people don't think of finding at a thrift store," Herren said. "But you can and can save a lot of money on something that is new, just wasn't used previously when it was first bought."

Rae Daniel /KSHB

Herren said hunting for pre-loved items also helps the environment.

"If something is donated here, it means it was diverted from a landfill," Herren said. "Every year, we have about 18 million pounds of goods diverted from landfills simply because they were donated to Goodwill."

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You might even find a special deal.

"Every week, we have a color of the week sale, which means every tag that is that color is 50% off," she said. "But Wednesdays are extra special because that means anything of that tagged color item is $1.79, so it's even bigger savings."

Andrae Hannon/KSHB

I decided to do a little shopping myself.

I brought $5 with me and was on the hunt for an outfit to wear on air.

Several outfits I've worn on air have been from secondhand stores, so I knew I'd be able to find an item (or a few) but wanted to stick with my $5 budget.

Well, I was able to find two dresses under $5 with change to spare!

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When it comes to secondhand shopping, it's a fun experience, a way to save and be sustainable, and a chance to donate my own items for someone else to have.

Herren said when you shop at Goodwill, it also benefits the community.

"It's just a great way to save money and give back to your local community, too, because all of your dollars go toward career training services and programs as well — so it's kind of full circle," Herren said.

Those career training services include resume building, interview preparations and basic digital literacy skills.

Goodwill of Western Missouri and Eastern Kansas will host a fundraising dinner , called Breaking Barriers , on Sept. 18 to honor individuals employed with the company and those who have benefited from Goodwill's services.

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