The thrill of the hunt for treasure keeps me heading out to vendor malls, antique stores and thrift shops nearly everywhere I go. On Friday, I stopped by Little Wing Curiosity Shoppe and Thrift Store in Athens. They have been around since April. 

It’s neat, clean and organized with excellent prices on most things. There were a few things that seemed outlandishly priced but that happens. They had a 75 percent off Christmas sale that applied to a pretty little handmade art piece – an angel made of some kind of tin with a fabulous patina. Of course I brought her home and she ended up costing me just $1.25. I also got three wrought iron candlesticks and a pewter pitcher that will someday hold flowers. My total was about ten bucks and I was quite pleased with the haul.

Then I came home and looked them up online and I feel bad. Their website says they are working with Ukranians stateside and overseas to send much needed supplies for civilians and soldiers in Ukraine. Had I known this while I was there I would have either bought more or made a donation. 

Goodwill and Ohio Thrift are the prominent thrift stores in my area and they have almost priced themselves out of the game. I choose to shop thrift stores because you never know what treasures you’ll find and because I like the sustainable side of thrifting. I can afford to go to TJ Maxx and buy dishes or a new skillet but many people thrift because they are low income and don’t have the luxury of buying new when their kid needs a winter coat. Greed and people who thrift to flip for a profit seemed to have caused these organizations to lose their way. 

So I am thrilled to have a new option for my donations and am actually excited to take them some things while I’m cleaning out this winter. Not to mention, the people who run the place seem kind hearted and helpful. 

Little Wing is located on the back side of the Market on State Mall in Athens, Ohio. Just go around the corner on IHOP side and you’ll find them! They will be closed the week between Christmas and New Years but you can follow them on Facebook to find their hours, sales and updated information.