by Lauren Solidum
TurnStyles Thrift is far more than a secondhand store; it serves as a vital connection point between Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas’ programs and the community.
Through our retail operations, we transform every donation and sale into a platform of direct support for the individuals and families we serve. Beyond offering low-cost clothing, furniture and household essentials, TurnStyles advances the mission of Catholic Charities in ways that allow our shoppers to make a tremendous, tangible impact.
One of our most successful recent ventures is the collection of food donations through the TurnStyles donation bay and sales floor bins. In the first four months, we have collected 3,400 lbs. of food, valued at approximately $7,300. At this current pace, we are on track to exceed 10,000 lbs. and $22,000 in food donations annually. These contributions are critical in sustaining our food pantry programming, ensuring our shelves remain stocked year-round with a variety of appropriate foods.
Two years ago, we launched our Register Round-Up program, inviting customers to round-up their change to support Catholic Charities’ food initiatives. The community response has been inspiring, generating $13,465 last year, which directly increased the volume of food distributed to those in need. This year, we are projected to bring in over $19,000 through these contributions. We continue to work toward increasing participation, proving that small change truly leads to big shifts in food security.
Our voucher program ensures that families facing extreme hardship can access clothing and household items at no cost. By using vouchers issued through our Family Support Centers, clients can shop our aisles with dignity. Last year alone, TurnStyles provided $29,579 in direct support through this program, equipping families with the essentials they need to thrive.
A heartfelt thank you to our staff, our TurnStyles volunteers and those in our community bringing gently used items in support of the mission!
And, exciting news — we are opening a fourth location. As we prepare for our June 2026 grand opening, we invite you to be part of this growth from the ground floor. We are looking for volunteers to build a strong foundation. Whether you can commit to a weekly shift or want to organize a neighborhood donation drive to stock our new shelves, your early support ensures we hit the ground running.
If you are interested in joining the team as an employee or volunteer, please visit our website, catholiccharitiesks.org, or stay updated on our progress through our e-newsletter.
Together, we are building more than a store — we are bringing help, hope and hospitality to those in need.
