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The PTA Thrift Shop was founded in 1952. At the time, Art Guild volunteers noticed a lack of funds available for art education in the Chapel Hill/Carrboro school district and wanted to do something to help. The volunteers conceived of a Thrift Shop, and within the first three months had raised $1200 to pay for the first art teacher. Ten years later the district spent $150,000 on art education.
Six decades later, the tradition continues as the PTAs strive to provide excellent resources to build their individual school communities. Parents in Chapel Hill and Carrboro donate their gently used items and volunteer their time and energy to raise the money for their PTAs to pay for many of the programs and resources that enrich the education of their children.Some of the many things that schools have used their PTA Thrift Shop distribution checks to subsidize include playgrounds, science supplies, computer hardware and software, cultural enrichment programs, field trips, sports equipment, uniforms and much, much more. 
The PTA Thrift Shop has grown tremendously since its humble beginnings in 1952. What began as a small, frequently moved sales room has grown into two large, well located and maintained retail establishments in Chapel Hill and Carrboro. The staff and volunteers work to sell almost anything that is clean, intact and in good working order.Over the years the PTA Thrift Shop has sold an amazing variety of things such as diamond engagement rings, the family silver, automobiles, and a boat with motor and trailer (to name but a few). Recently a diamond and blue aquamarine necklace set in platinum (appraised at $3500) sold for $1800! 
 A second location was leased and opened in Kroger Plaza (now called Village Plaza) on South Elliott Road in 1980. In 1986, that store moved to an even larger space next door adjacent to Wellspring grocery store. The store moved to its final location in 2007 and now enjoys a more lucrative space which houses an on site donations facility in the rear. | |||
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Design Concepts by Hatch