Can a thrift store be a boutique?
Can Michael Kors clothes or Coach bags be cheap?
Can you really find anything good for $1 these days?
Winston Salem’s newest family store is answering “yes” to all this!
Pinwheels Thrift Store and Family Center opened its doors to the public November 1, 2023, but its founding agency has been caring for families in the Triad for 40+ years.
The Parenting PATH, formerly Exchange Club/SCAN, has been supporting families and preventing child abuse since 1981. While the agency’s core mission is to prevent child abuse, our 18 programs and services encompass more than that. We teach new parents about child safety, child development and how to strengthen their growing family. We help teens and parents rebuild strained relationships after delinquency, truancy and social pressures. We provide counseling services to children that have already endured trauma or abuse. And, we help connect all families to resources throughout the area so that, even when they finish a program with us, they still feel supported.
Elizabeth Miller, CEO of The Parenting PATH, sees Pinwheels as an extension of this support. “We wanted to expand both what we provide for our client families and reach the community as a whole,” said Miller. “It’s a way to incorporate our mission and serve even more families in Winston-Salem.”
What can you find at Pinwheels?
Just like our founding agency, we serve families with children ages 0-18. Baby equipment including high chairs, pack-n-plays, swings and more. Nursing and feeding items such as cover-ups, new-in-the-box feeding supplies and even baby food makers have all crossed the checkout counter at Pinwheels. Toys are always a hit, and brands like Lovevery, Lego, and Melissa and Doug go fast from inventory.
“The best way to get the good stuff is to follow us on our social media pages,” said Store Manager Jennifer Perkins. “We always showcase the really popular toys and baby items, and those always sell the fastest.”
Women’s clothes and accessories are also big sellers. “We get some amazing donations,” she continues. “Parents come in all the time for the kids’ clothes and then see our adults’ clothes and accessories!”
Are you a treasure hunting thrifter?
Pinwheels is the place for you, too! If you like to dig for name brand labels and good deals, you’ll find them here, too. Brands like White House Black Market, Lilly Pulitzer and Brooks Brothers are all on the sweater rack. Need matching Jack Rogers sandals for your baby girl? Check the display case to the right. There’s a pair of Adidas sneakers with the tag still on them on the wall. The list goes on!
What’s the best thing about Pinwheels?
There’s too much to brag about! But, even if you’re just strolling through, grab a book or two for your kiddos while you’re here. “Books are always free,” said Elizabeth Miller. “We know that putting books into kids’ hands makes a difference. This is a policy we have been able to support in our agency, and we wanted to extend that to customers at Pinwheels.”
How can you support Pinwheels and its mission?
If you love shopping and have a heart for kids, come on in! If you can’t make it to the shop, follow and share us on social media. Donate! It’s better to donate than to accumulate, and we love sharing your used toys, clothes and baby equipment with others.
For more information about Pinwheels missions, donation needs and volunteer opportunities visit PinwheelsWS.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Pinwheels and The Parenting PATH are 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations.
