One of the hottest new shopping destinations in Battle Ground is not a trendy boutique or a brand-name big box store. It’s the new BG Thrift Store at Battle Ground High School. Opened on May 29, the store sells clothes and accessories to the school’s students and staff. Everything is priced at $1. On the first day that the store was open, it received an enthusiastic response. Fueled in part by the popularity of thrifting, sales remained strong in the store’s first few days.
The shop is the brainchild of counselor Nick Santilli and was modeled after a thrift store at his former school. Since then, many staff members and students have pitched in to turn the idea into reality, from building display boxes and transforming the former classroom to managing inventory and tagging items.
The purpose behind selling “everything for $1” isn’t about making a profit, Santilli said. “It is to offer quality items, at a price that is affordable to most students, so they can shop and feel proud of the purchases they made with their own money. I’ve seen students highly value a $1 item simply because they had to save, wait and pay for it themselves.”
All proceeds from the thrift store will go back into the store, to the students of BGHS or to charitable causes.
If someone is unable to purchase an item, staff will address the situation on a case-by-case basis. The store augments the assistance offered through Battle Ground Public Schools’ Family and Community Resource Center, which also provides clothing and many more needs for students and families district-wide at no cost.
Most importantly, the store represents an opportunity for students and staff to connect with another. “I am passionate about inclusion, and the thrift store is a way to bring together students from all parts of campus into service,” Santilli said. “Many students have asked me about volunteer opportunities, and the thrift store provides that without them having to leave campus. We’ve already had so much collaboration between our special education and general education students and staff members to get the store up and running. It’s really a dream come true.”
Interested in donating to the BG Thrift Store?
The store accepts cash donations and new or gently used clothing, shoes and accessories without rips, tears or stains. They do not accept used undergarments or socks. Starting in the fall, items may be donated at Battle Ground High School (300 W. Main St., Battle Ground, WA) between 7:15 a.m. and 8:45 a.m. on Wednesdays when school is in session. Thank you for your consideration!