For more than 90 years, American Rescue Workers (ARW) has relied on a simple, time-tested model: neighbors give what they no longer need, and those donations are turned into revenue that funds life-sustaining programs across our region.

During the spring and summer, when yard sales are in full swing and closets, basements, and garages are being cleaned out, ARW receives thousands of donated items — clothing, housewares, furniture, shoes, small appliances, décor and bric-a-brac.

“We even pick up unsold items at the end of yard sales. What others pass over becomes inventory in our nine community thrift stores,” said Shane Jordan, Director of Industrial Operations, Supervisor of Fresh Start Men’s Program workers.

“Those stores are not a side project. They are a primary funding engine. Thrift store sales generate approximately 40% of ARW’s general operating revenue, directly supporting our food pantry, three homeless shelters, rent and utility assistance programs, and workforce development initiatives. Without products on our shelves, we cannot operate our programs at full capacity,” he said.

ARW’s thrift stores operate as more than retail outlets. They are social enterprises.

‘We are what is considered a social enterprise, in that we operate a quote business, although it’s a not for profit business, in order to solve a social problem. And the way that we do that is we use earned revenue, not just donations, to do that, so our thrift stores become that earned revenue,” said Jenn Rempe, director of development & community engagement.

“And we operate those thrift stores like traditional businesses, because they sell goods, and it employs people, and it generates revenue, but the profit is not the goal. The impact that that revenue generates is the goal. That means our homeless shelters, our food pantry, you know, it helps to pay for those employees. It helps to pay for those utilities that program grants can’t do. So, basically, the mission is first, the business is second, but both of them are equally important,” she said.

As part of ARW’s long-standing work therapy model, men who are rebuilding their lives through structured programming and accountability are employed in the warehouses.

“Through hands-on work in our warehouses, on our docks, and in our stores — sorting clothing, processing donations, stocking shelves, and learning customer service skills — these men gain job experience, discipline, and employability. We are not simply moving merchandise. We are putting people back to work and teaching them how to become dependable, productive employees again,” Jordan said.

Beyond supporting ARW’s programs, donated goods also sustain local employment. ARW’s thrift store and industrial operations provide essential jobs for 85 local households across the region. From store managers and cashiers to warehouse staff, drivers, and processing teams, these positions represent real paychecks for working families. When donations flow, inventory moves. When inventory moves, stores remain strong — and those 85 households remain supported.

Historically, ARW has been disciplined about setting aside “back stock” during the high-donation months to carry them through the first quarter of each year, when donations traditionally slow. Over the past several years, however, that cushion has disappeared. Increased demand for services, tighter margins, and shifting economic patterns have made it difficult to build the inventory reserves they once depended on.

Today, ARW’s thrift stores are critically low on inventory. In practical terms, that means empty racks, sparse shelves, and reduced sales that directly impact the strength of their mission and the opportunities provided through the work therapy program.

Several forces are driving this decline. Inflation has changed household behavior. Families are holding onto clothing longer. Appliances are being used until they truly give out. Home décor is staying in place rather than being replaced. When people delay purchases, fewer usable goods enter the donation stream, according to a news release from ARW.

Because people are holding onto things longer or trying to sell them online through platforms like Facebook Marketplace in order to earn money, instead of donating items outright, many individuals attempt to sell them online through platforms like Facebook Marketplace or consign them to specialty shops in hopes of recouping a few dollars, the supply of donated goods for ARW has declined.

“Product is the lifeblood of what we do on the industrial side. When donations are steady, our guys are busy — accepting donations on the docks, sorting, grading, stocking, learning pace, learning accountability, learning how to work as an individual and a team. That structure matters. It builds habits that employers look for: showing up, staying focused, finishing the job. When product slows down, those opportunities shrink. We need that steady flow not just to keep our stores full, but to keep our men working, growing, and preparing for the next step in their lives.” Jordan said.

At the same time, ARW is taking proactive steps to maximize every item that is donated. Over the past year, they have worked to move excess vintage and higher-end items that accumulated on their dedicated “Vault” floor. In 2025, they launched a special fundraising initiative called The Vault Experience, where shoppers register through the Development Office for a two-hour treasure-hunting event featuring curated vintage and specialty items.

The response was strong, and these Vault events will resume in late March. Simultaneously, they are actively redistributing quality merchandise from the Vault floor back into our retail stores to strengthen inventory levels across all nine locations, the release stated.

For a quick and convenient way to donate clothing and shoes, ARW operates more than 40 blue community collection bins located throughout Lycoming County year-round.

“We are actively seeking additional high-visibility locations. If you own a business, manage a property, or have a parking lot where a bin could be placed, we encourage you to contact us to discuss a partnership. Expanding these locations directly strengthens our ability to keep inventory flowing into our stores,” Jordan said.

In addition to the donation of goods, ARW also accepts monetary contributions to cover costs and to ensure their shelters, pantry, and work therapy programs continue without disruption. The reality remains straightforward: fewer donations mean lower store sales. Lower store sales mean fewer resources to feed families, shelter those experiencing homelessness, provide stability to neighbors in crisis, and create work therapy opportunities for men rebuilding their lives.

For donation guidelines, pickup scheduling, store locations, or information about hosting a community collection bin, please contact American Rescue Workers or visit www.arwwilliamsport.org. You can also call 570-323-8401 x1 to speak with someone about scheduling a pick-up.