Top Stores With A Cause In Denver
Making a difference in the world around may be easier than you think, especially if you put a little forethought into shopping. In a world of multitasking, it's nice when you can accomplish two things at the same time. If you're in need of some new merchandise and are also a generous person, there are several retailers in the Denver area who donate proceeds to charity.
Cancer Cache Thrift Shop
11528 W. Colfax Ave.
Lakewood, CO 80215
(720) 277-5508
www.coloradocache.com
This shop specializes in Native American craft items, vintage Western pieces and other antiques. Proceeds from sales are then used to provide special items for cancer patients, including wigs, hats and scarves. Staffed by volunteers, Cancer Cache is a great place to shop because the employees genuinely want to be there and are passionate about the cause. They will go out of their way to make your shopping or donating experience a good one. Cancer Cache also sells gently used wedding dresses for brides on a budget, so you can help cancer patients while finding an affordable dress for your big day.
Museum Shop At The Denver Art Museum
100 W. 14th Ave. Parkway
Denver, CO 80204
(720) 865-5000
www.denverartmuseum.org
While many museum gift shops merely feature merchandise that ties back to exhibits, the Museum Shop at the Denver Art Museum is more like a small boutique. With 12 categories of merchandise, this shop is a great place to find a quirky gift for any art lover. Many of the items in the store are made by local artists, so you can support Denver's art community while finding an individualized gift. Proceeds also go back to the museum itself, allowing it to bring art experiences, lessons, programs and much more to people all over the country.
Related: Top Art Walks in Denver
EarthLinks
2828 Larimer St.
Denver, CO 80205
(303) 389-0085
www.earthlinks-colorado.org
Offering eco-friendly home, body, pet and garden products, EarthLinks is a great place to support the environment and find products that are sustainable and green. In addition, EarthLinks employs low-income and homeless people in the neighborhood by introducing them to the garden and the workshop. The items available for purchase are manufactured by these volunteers, allowing them to connect with nature and their community while developing skills to transform their lives. EarthLinks supports several local programs, giving back to the State of Colorado. Proceeds from the retail shop fund the workshop program.
Humane Society Of Boulder Valley's Thrift And Gift Shop
5320 Arapahoe Ave.
Boulder, CO 80303
(303) 415-0685
www.boulderhumane.org
This boutique-style consignment shop features everything from books to clothing to jewelry. Staff members sort through donations and pick what ends up in the store, so you can be sure that the merchandise is in good condition (whatever doesn't end up in the store is donated to other charities). Volunteers work at the shop and are very helpful and friendly. Proceeds benefit programs for the Humane Society of Boulder. This organization is dedicated to helping improve relationships between pets and people with several programs intended to help animals become more adoptable. Between behavioral training, fostering and other programs, the Humane Society of Boulder helps save the lives of animals by helping them be more comfortable in any home.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore Home Improvement Outlet
70 Rio Grande Blvd.
Denver, CO 80223
(303) 722-5863
www.habitatmetrodenver.org
At the Habitat for Humanity Restore Improvement Outlet, you can find a lot of affordable home improvement merchandise for your renovation projects. Whether you're looking for kitchen stuff, flooring, accents, lighting or any other thing you can think of, this store has it. If you don't have the right type of vehicle to take your merchandise home, Habitat Restore also offers delivery services. Proceeds from the stores (there are many throughout Colorado) benefit Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver – an organization dedicated to building quality homes for low-income people in need of decent housing. Since 1979, the Metro Denver affiliate has built more than 400 homes in our area.
Alaina Brandenburger is a freelance writer living in Denver. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
