Every day at Overflow Thrift Stores, savvy shoppers find great deals and vintage treasures. But for the past ten years, Overflow’s mission has been more than simply providing an economical and unique shopping option in Story County. “The heartbeat of the Overflow team is a desire to transform the abundance in our community into care for those in need and for our environment,” says Overflow Board President Tami Hicks.
Since Overflow began almost ten years ago, they have given over $830,000 to organizations serving locally and abroad and to individuals in central Iowa in need of a helping hand. In 2023, Overflow made cash donations of almost $135,000 to twenty-two organizations – including The Bridge Home, Wings of Refuge, YSS, Romero House, Martha’s House of Hope, Matthew 25 House, Boys & Girls Clubs of Story County, ACCESS, Ames Interfaith Refugee Alliance, and Community & Family Resources. Hicks says Overflow was pleased to give an additional $38,000 in 2023 to individuals and families so they could purchase merchandise – items like shoes, winter coats, furniture, and household items families need to survive and thrive.
Overflow’s mission also includes a focus on creating a healthier environment. Each year, Overflow resells or recycles over 600,000 pounds of material that otherwise would end up in a landfill. With programs for recycling textiles, glass, metal, plastic and paper, Overflow is a great option for those who want to help eliminate waste. Overflow will even help dispose of textiles that can’t be resold – things like old bedding, torn or stained clothing, and worn towels. Donors are welcome to bring those items to Overflow for responsible recycling.
Overflow recently opened a new store at 919 E. Lincoln Way which will provide new opportunities to increase giving to the community and recycling efforts. Overflow embarked on a $1.5 million capital fundraising campaign to support the purchase of the new building. A successful campaign leading to ownership of the new building will allow Overflow to double its giving to the community every year.
As Overflow grows, what motivates its staff and volunteers most is the opportunity to help individuals. Every day, the Overflow team meets people like a young woman who recently visited the store for a new outfit. She was thrilled to discover her entire purchase – dress, shoes, jewelry – was less than $10. Nearly in tears, she told the cashier she was coming from a local shelter, was “30 days clean” and needed a new outfit for job interviews. The opportunity to serve the community in this way is the blessing of the Overflow ministry.
