The Thrift Station has been a special part of the Danville community for more than 50 years, with a story rooted in a simple but powerful idea: neighbors helping neighbors.
A Community Comes Together
In the early 1970s, Discovery Counseling Center of the San Ramon Valley was working to meet a growing need for accessible counseling and mental health services in the San Ramon Valley. As Discovery’s work grew, community members recognized that providing these important services would require a dependable source of financial support.
In February 1973, a dedicated group of local women, including Marge Early and Barbara Gibson, formed Friends of Discovery as an auxiliary of Discovery Counseling Center. Their goal was to bring the community together to raise funds and help ensure Discovery could continue serving local individuals and families.
From Garage Sales to The Thrift Station
What began with garage sales and donated goods grew into something much bigger: The Thrift Station.
The concept was simple and wonderfully community-minded. Neighbors could donate gently used clothing, household items and other treasures. Volunteers would sort, price and merchandise those donations. Shoppers could find wonderful items at affordable prices, and the proceeds would benefit Discovery Counseling Center.
That spirit of giving has continued for more than five decades.
More Than $13.7 Million in Community Support
Over the years, The Thrift Station has grown into a beloved Danville institution and an important source of support for Discovery. In its first 50 years, Friends of Discovery contributed more than $13.7 million to Discovery Counseling Center through the operation of The Thrift Station.
Those funds have helped Discovery provide affordable, compassionate mental health services and programs to generations of people throughout the San Ramon Valley.
Powered by Volunteers
But the impact of Friends of Discovery goes far beyond dollars raised.
The Thrift Station has created a community within the community. Volunteers work side by side, friendships are formed, longtime shoppers return again and again, and generations of local families donate items knowing their generosity will continue to make a difference close to home.
Today, more than 130 active volunteers help keep The Thrift Station running. They accept donations, sort and price merchandise, create displays, assist shoppers and handle the countless tasks required to operate the shop six days a week.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
There is something special about the cycle of giving that happens every day at The Thrift Station. A neighbor donates something they no longer need. A volunteer prepares it for its next chapter. Another neighbor discovers a treasure. And that purchase helps support mental health services right here in our community.
It is a beautiful example of what can happen when a community comes together around a shared purpose.
A Legacy That Continues
For more than 50 years, Danville and the greater San Ramon Valley have supported Friends of Discovery and The Thrift Station by donating, shopping and volunteering. In return, that generosity has helped Discovery Counseling Center continue its important work.
Every donation. Every purchase. Every volunteer hour. It all adds up to an extraordinary legacy of community caring for community.