Give me a G, Give me a W

I used to be a garage sale fanatic. Now I pretty much stay way (with occasional setbacks), because it took too much time and I kept dragging home things I didn't need just because I found a good deal. One of these days I'll write about my garage-sale tips.

However, I can still capture the thrill of the hunt by going to my local GW. What's that, you ask?

It's the Goodwill store. It's awfully fun to go in there and cherry-pick for the best stuff -- mainly clothes. I have found brand-new-with-the-tags-still-on name brand pieces for just a few bucks. I've found two or three nice 100% silk tops. I find things from Chicos, Ann Taylor Loft, and other places I shy away from because of the prices. Dear Hubby buys jeans there (sometimes with the tags still on), so he can not feel bad about ruining them riding motorcycles or working in the yard.

One time, we were in Denver, and we had the chance to go into the mountains with friends. Dear Hubby didn't bring the right clothes, so we took a trip to the local GW and picked him out a nice, warm outfit that he still uses today. They're clean, pretty organized, and you can try things on.

And, as an added bonus, we get a Val-Pak advertising bundle in the mail that usually has coupons for GW -- $5 off a $20 purchase.

Keep this in mind if you'd like to take someone shopping who really needs clothes. AND, 83% of the profit goes to help people through Goodwill Industries.

I have friends at church with whom, when we admire each other's clothes, we wink and smile and say, "GW". When you've got the time, and a few extra bucks, and maybe a coupon, go treasure hunting. You can locate the closest store at http://locator.goodwill.org/