The Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop, which began as a vision in 1993 as a fundraising tool for AAPS Parent Teacher Organizations and student activities, is turning 30 years old! The Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop enjoys success as a local, mission-based nonprofit, a reseller of gently used quality items at affordable prices, and as an employer in the community.
Through June of 2023, over $3.3 million dollars has been given to AAPS PTOs. Their dedicated staff and group of volunteers sort and curate incoming donations for the Main Shop and for the Showcase Specialty Shop. All of this and more is made possible by a community of generous donors, dedicated staff and volunteers and loyal customers.
The Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop is celebrating its 30-year milestone on Sunday, Nov. 12 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., with a 30 percent off sale on most items, and the opportunity to win $30 Gift Certificates. From 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., there will be “Meet, Greet & Treats” with members of the volunteer Board of Directors and lots of yummy treats!
The Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) Michigan Non-Profit Corporation on Dec. 7, 1993. Modeled after the PTA Thrift Shop of Chapel Hill, NC, this business was established as an alternative fundraising option to merchandise sales used by parent groups to raise money. In 1994, a group of parents held the first sale in the cafeteria of Tappan Middle School. This start-up sale netted $5,000 which provided the seed money for the organization, as well as the first donations to participating school PTOs.
Since its inception, the Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop has rented space in several locations in Ann Arbor, and today occupies over 22,000 square feet building in an area known as south-east Ann Arbor’s “Re-Sale Row.” In 2016, the Showcase, featuring unique treasures, opened at 2284A S. Industrial, right next to the Donations Door.
Today, the shop employs over 20 full-time and part-time employees.
How profits support school groups
In support of the Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop mission, profits from sales are distributed to participating AAPS school PTOs, PTSOs, and 501(c)(3) supporting clubs, organizations, and teams, for student enrichment activities in their schools. Fundraising support from the Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop comes from our net profit from sales and is based on each school’s participation — we rely on the support of school PTOs and their communities for our inventory and promotion. The more they participate with us, the more they earn.
The Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop is located at 2280 S. Industrial Highway in Ann Arbor. They are on AATA bus routes #6 and #24.
Visit the website at a2ptothriftshop.org or call 734-996-9155. Follow on Facebook and Instagram.
Shopping Hours: Thursday – Sunday 10am – 6pm. Donation Hours: Wednesday, 10am – 4pm and Friday – Saturday, 10am – 5pm, weather permitting.
