INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Looking for some creative ways to re-purpose old items currently taking up space in your closet or garage?
Then make sure to visit The Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County’s (HSVBIRC) Vero Beach and Sebastian Thrift Shops.
From now until the end of April, you’ll be able to see how donations have been repurposed in honor of Earth Day.
“We always say the greenest products are the ones that already exist. Reusing products that have not outlived their life cycle is the second most important method of reducing our waste stream and conserving our natural resources,” explained Humane Society Thrift Shop Manager Annette Barcus.
According to Barcus, Humane Society volunteers have cleverly turned clothes and linens into area rugs, dog toys, and fabric flowers. There’s also beaded jewelry that’s been created from donated magazines and wallpaper.
The stores will also be showcasing aprons fashioned out of jeans and linens.
And while the thrift shops’ re-purposing display is a great educational tool, Barcus reminds us that Earth Day is also the perfect time to “recycle” older items via donation.
Merchandise such as china, glassware, furniture, and clothing can be sold to help raise funds for Humane Society services while donations of gently used blankets, sheets, and towels go to the shelter to help with animal care.
“The Humane Society’s Thrift Shops benefit both animals and the environment,” explains Barcus.
The Humane Society’s Vero Beach Thrift Shop is located at the corner of 44th Ave. and Route 60, while the Sebastian Thrift Shop can be found at 441 Sebastian Blvd. (CR 512.)
Both thrift shops regularly seek volunteers.
For more information about volunteering or donating, please call the Humane Society’s Vero Beach Thrift Shop at (772) 567-2044 or the Sebastian Thrift Shop at (772) 388-0323.
Store hours are Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday from 9 to 4 p.m.