WMAR Visits the Perry Hall Goodwill for Thriftmas Cheer
The holiday season is often painted in broad strokes of glittering lights and grand gestures. But sometimes, the most profound mo
ments of joy are found in the quiet corners of our community—in the careful selection of a gently used ornament or the discovery of a perfect gift that doesn’t break the bank.
Recently, Maria Morales at WMAR visited one of our largest, and most popular stores and reported a great story about this very phenomenon happening right here in Baltimore County. As families navigate the pressures of holiday spending, places like Goodwill aren’t just stores; they are becoming hubs of hope, sustainability, and “Thriftmas” cheer. At Goodwill, you will be finding Magic and Meaning in Every Holiday Treasure.
The Joy of the Hunt
For many of us, the holidays bring a mix of excitement and financial worry. It is a balancing act between wanting to give the world to our loved ones and the reality of our bank accounts. This year, that balance is tipping toward creativity and thriftiness.
One of our Store Managers introduced Morales to Cyndi Blackwell, a resident of Middle River who is a regular at the Perry Hall Goodwill. She excitedly told us she’s there at least twice a week. She embodies the spirit of thoughtful giving. Cyndi wasn’t just doing her holiday shopping; she was on a treasure hunt.
“This bike is like my motherload,” Cyndi laughed, showing off a bicycle she found for just $20—a gift destined for her grandson next Christmas.
Her cart didn’t stop there. She found boxed Hallmark ornaments for a fraction of their retail price and a pristine button-down shirt for her husband, a disabled veteran. For Cyndi, the value goes beyond the price tag. It is about the love poured into finding something special.
“If you’re thrifty and you wanna really save your money and get good deals like this too, you can bring joy to people all the time, not just at Christmas,” she told Morales.
A “Thriftmas” Revolution
Cyndi is not alone. There is a palpable shift happening in how we approach gift-giving. We are moving away from mass-produced excess and toward meaningful, budget-friendly choices.
We shared with WMAR that local Goodwill stores have seen a heartwarming surge in activity. Sales are up 20% over last year, and shopper traffic has increased by nearly 30%. Jonathan Balog, our Chief Marketing Officer, calls this season “Thriftmas.”
“We have seen a tremendous explosion in the love affair of thrift shopping,” Balog shared in the article. People are coming in for everything—gifts for kids, friends, and family.
This resonates deeply because it speaks to a shared human experience. Nearly 30% of Americans cite budget pressures as a top stressor this holiday season. By turning to thrift stores, we aren’t just saving money; we are rejecting the stress of perfection and embracing the warmth of practicality.
Shopping with Purpose
What makes this surge in thrifting truly beautiful is what happens after the register rings. When you purchase a toy for your child or a coat for yourself at Goodwill, the transaction doesn’t end there. It ripples out into the community, transforming lives in ways you might never see but will certainly feel.
The influx of donations and shoppers has allowed Goodwill to hire 20% more store employees. But the mission goes even deeper.
“Last year, we helped almost 1,000 people enter the job market,” Balog explained to Morales. “We provide training, certification, and we recently launched an adult high school. And that’s all made possible by you shopping and you donating in our store.”
This is the heart of the holiday spirit. It is the cycle of kindness in action. A grandmother finds a bike for her grandson, and her purchase helps a neighbor get the training they need to support their own family. It is a powerful reminder that we are all connected.
Embracing the Season of Giving
As we wrap up our holiday preparations, let’s take a page from Cyndi Blackwell’s book. She left the store with a cart full of 22 items for just $68, wishing everyone a “Merry Christmas.”
Her joy was infectious, not because she spent the most money, but because she found a way to give abundantly while staying true to her means.
Whether you are donating items you no longer need or hunting for that perfect “Thriftmas” find, know that your actions matter. You are part of a story that credits every person with dignity and potential. You are helping build a community where second chances are real, and where hope is the greatest gift of all.
All reporting and quotes in this post are credited to Maria Morales and WMAR. You can read the original article here.
