FAQ
Questions, Answered.
Quick answers about shopping, donating, and how City Thrift works.
Shopping
Shopping at City Thrift.
Hours, returns, sales, and the rhythm of the floor.
What's the difference between your stores?
Each location has its own personality. Shawnee is our largest store, with the deepest floor across categories. Overland Park on Antioch Road is refreshed every morning. Waldo is compact and curated — easier to shop start to finish. Lawrence is drop-off only; donations made there start their journey to one of the three retail stores.
How often do you put out new items?
Every store, every day. Each location puts out thousands of items daily — clothing, housewares, furniture, books, toys, and electronics. If you came in yesterday, today's racks are already different.
What days have the best selection?
There's no bad day, but if you want first pick on fresh stock, weekday mornings tend to be quietest. Tuesdays at Shawnee are something of a local tradition.
Do you offer sales or discount days?
Yes. We run a Sunday Sale and rotating color-tag discounts throughout the week. Sale items are final sale. Check with your local store for the current schedule — sales vary by location.
Can I return or exchange something?
Exchanges are allowed within 7 days of purchase, with the original receipt and price tag attached. All exchanges are at the manager's discretion. We don't offer cash, card, or store credit refunds. The following are always final sale: furniture, electronics, computers, accessories, books, music, videos, clearance items, and Sunday Sale items.
Do you hold items?
Generally no — with the kind of turnover we see, holding items isn't fair to other shoppers. For large furniture, ask a manager; case by case.
Do you offer delivery on furniture?
We don't deliver. We'll happily help you load it into your vehicle. If you need a hand at home, plan to bring a friend.
Can I pay with a card?
Yes. We accept cash, debit, and credit at all locations.
Do you have a rewards program?
Yes — 5Stars Rewards. Text your store's code to 578-277 to join. (CTWALDO for Waldo, CTANTI for Antioch/Overland Park, CTSHAWN for Shawnee.) Standard message and data rates may apply.
Donating
Donating to City Thrift.
What we take, how to drop off, and what happens next.
What can I donate?
Most clean, working, in-good-condition items: clothing, shoes, accessories, household goods, small appliances, furniture, home decor, books, linens, tools, electronics (flatscreen TVs two years or newer), musical instruments, sports equipment, large toys, and mobility aids like canes and walkers.
What can't you accept?
Mattresses, box springs, bed pillows, large appliances (washers, dryers, refrigerators, ovens), baby cribs, car seats, in-home gyms, tube TVs, pianos and organs, hospital beds, hot water tanks, building materials, auto parts, items with mold or stains, items containing gasoline or chemicals, and recalled items. If you're not sure, call your nearest location before loading up the car. Disposing of items we can't sell costs the charity money.
Where do I drop off donations?
You can drop off donations at any City Thrift store during donation hours. Hours vary by location — see all stores, addresses & donation hours on our Locations page.
Do I need to call ahead?
Not for a carload or less. For larger donations or single large items (couches, dressers), call (816) 641-5656 to schedule a pickup.
Do you pick up donations?
Yes, for larger loads. Call (816) 641-5656 to arrange. Pickup availability depends on your location and our truck schedule.
Are my donations tax-deductible?
Yes. City Thrift is owned by City Union Mission, a registered 501(c)(3). Ask the cashier or attendant for a receipt at the time of drop-off.
How should I prepare my donations?
Wash clothing and linens. Make sure electronics, appliances, and tools actually work. Bag clothing; box smaller household items. Clean items sell faster, which means more dollars to the mission.
What happens to items that don't sell?
What can't be sold gets recycled wherever possible. Very little ends up in a landfill — we work hard to keep usable material in circulation.
Can I donate money instead of items?
Yes. Monetary donations go directly to City Union Mission and can be made at give.cityunionmission.org.
Donation Drives
Hosting a Donation Drive.
Schools, scouts, churches, and businesses fundraising with us.
What is a donation drive?
A short-term fundraiser where your group — school, scout troop, church, business, or nonprofit — collects donations on behalf of City Thrift. We pick up the donations, weigh them, and cut your organization a check based on volume.
Who can host a drive?
Nonprofits, schools, scout troops, churches, and businesses. Individuals can also host a drive on behalf of a 501(c)(3) of their choice.
How much can we earn?
Payment is based on weight collected. The minimum to qualify is 1,000 pounds, or roughly 35 large yard bags. Non-clothing household items are weighed separately and treated as add-on value.
When do we get paid?
We send a check to your organization within 10 business days of the drive.
How do we start one?
Fill out the form on our Donation Drives page. We'll respond within 72 business hours to lock in details.
About City Thrift
About City Thrift.
Who we are, where the money goes, and how to help further.
Who owns City Thrift?
City Thrift is owned and operated by City Union Mission, a Kansas City nonprofit that has served people experiencing homelessness in our community for over 100 years.
Where do the proceeds go?
100% of net proceeds stay local and fund City Union Mission's shelter, meals, recovery programs, and family services in Kansas City.
How is City Thrift different from other thrift stores?
Two things. First, everything you buy or donate directly supports City Union Mission — no middle layer, no franchise fees leaving the region. Second, we run our stores like retail stores: organized, refreshed daily, and easy to actually shop.
Are you hiring?
Often, yes. Visit our Join Our Team page for current openings across all four locations.
How can I help beyond shopping and donating?
Host a donation drive, volunteer at City Union Mission directly, give monetarily, or simply spread the word. Visit our How You Can Help page for more.
Still Curious
Ask Us Anything.
If we didn't cover it, a real person on our team would be glad to. We answer the phone during store hours and reply to email within a business day.
- Phone
- (816) 641-5656
- admin@teamthrift.com