“Christmas presents will be in short supply!” “Be sure and shop early since there will be few items to choose from for your loved ones!” “Christmas will be a lot different this year because of the delay in goods being held offshore due to Covid, tariffs, the politicians, etc. etc…”
These familiar headlines in both digital and print media are causing the public to seek out alternative ways of getting through the purchasing part of the holidays. “Shop local” is the mantra for 2021 Holiday season and the Sonoita/Patagonia area has some sustainable and recyclable places that will be a viable answer to those looking to fill that empty space under the Christmas tree. Local thrift shops look forward to helping the community provide gifts for this holiday season with quality recycled products.
The Patagonia Community United Methodist Church (PCUMC) thrift shop is located at 387 McKeown Ave. in Patagonia. Established in 1983, it’s the oldest of the area thrift shops. They have a wide array of used clothing and some household items at bargain rates. They are known to offer special, on the spot discounts for those particularly in need. Profits are shared with both religious and non-religious organizations throughout the local and world communities. Hours are limited to 10-12 on Fridays and Saturdays at this time.
Just north of the PCUMC on McKeown Ave. is the recently opened Purple Elephant Resale Shop. Though only in operation for one year, it has been busy recently and looking for more volunteers to increase their hours which are currently Thursday – Saturday, 10-3. They have medium to higher quality used furniture and household items for sale and their profits also support other local and national organizations. They send any surplus supplies to Native American communities, Africa, and Mexico. The Purple Elephant is part of the Family Healthcare Amigos organization which offers durable medical equipment to anyone, regardless of income. As part of the Southern Arizona Senior Diaper Bank, they provide incontinence supplies for lower income seniors, as well.
Angel Wings, located at 12 Los Encinos Rd. in Sonoita, moved into a new facility in August 2021. As part of the Our Lady of the Angels Mission, they donate their profits in goods rather than cash to local foundations for the needy.
Angel Wings was started in 2005 by women in the congregation selling homemade dog biscuits at fairs and at the local Mercantile. They also held rummage sales along with the dog biscuit sales to finance the new church building.
Angel Wings offers quality household items, furniture and gently used clothing. Hours are 10 -2 Thursday – Saturday.