Description
The Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) Michigan Non-Profit Corporation on December 7, 1993. Modeled after the PTA Thrift Shop of Chapel Hill, NC, this business was established as an alternative fundraising option to merchandise sales used by parent groups to raise money.
In 1994, a group of parents held the first sale in the cafeteria of Tappan Middle School. This start-up sale netted $5,000 which provided the seed money for the organization, as well as the first donations to participating school PTOs.
Since its inception, the Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop has rented space in several locations in Ann Arbor, and today occupies over 22,000 sq. ft. at 2280 S. Industrial, in an area known as south-east Ann Arbor’s "Re-Sale Row."
Today, the shop accepts donations 5-days-a-week, is open for shopping 7-days-a-week, and employs over 30 full-time and part-time employees, including a Director of Promotions & Communications, a Shop Manager and Assistant Managers.
The successful operation of the shop also relies on the dedicated work of volunteers from the Ann Arbor Public Schools who provide year-round promotional support in the AAPS community.
The organization is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors.
