Shopping to Save Lives

As the county begins to experience it’s first days of temperatures  above “Is going to work today worth the frostbite?” levels , many Rocklanders are feeling excited for spring. With spring comes a wardrobe many of us haven’t seen in months, and bodies that have changed since pre-daylight savings. No need to fear – the Hudson Valley Humane Society Thrift Boutique has everything needed for a little spring reset, and comes with the added benefit of helping animals in need.

The HVHS Thrift Boutique carries not only clothing, but accessories, pet supplies and housewares (oh my!). Unlike most thrift stores, the boutique is meticulously organized. The racks are neat and organized, making it easy to find whatever shoppers may be on the hunt for. Within the shop is a restroom that doubles as a changing area. There is no need to explain to most thrifters, but for those unacquainted with the lifestyle a changing room is a luxury for when you’ve finally found the perfect piece, but don’t want to suffer the embarrassment of trying to squeeze it on over your jeans in front of strangers.

Debbie Shaffer, the manager of HVHS Thrift Boutique since June of 2022, previously ran a makeup and beauty business in Rockland. When the time came to retire, Shaffer wasn’t content to sit at home. Her husband encouraged her to get involved in the community and do something she was passionate about. Shaffer stated that she has been crazy about animals since she was a child, so going to volunteer at the Hudson Valley Humane Society was a no-brainer. She used her retail and business experience to transform the shop into what it is today.

The well-ordered boutique is also made possible thanks to Shaffer’s self-confessed fanatical nature around which items get approved for sale.

Shaffer stated that residents of Rockland County are very generous, telling the RCT “I think Rockland County has the nicest people I’ve ever met in my life.” Due to her strong connection to the community, Shaffer seems to truly enjoy bringing in quality items for her shoppers at HVHS. Often, Shaffer shared, thrifters (and their wallets!) are happily surprised by the standards of items. The boutique posts on their Facebook page “HVHS Thrift Boutique” on a near daily basis with inventory updates and jaw-dropping sales.

The engine of the boutique runs on pure, unleaded love for animals. Every volunteer is an animal lover, many having at least one furry friend of their own.“They’re devoted because they love animals..they’re fabulous!” shared Shaffer, a grin lighting up her face as she recalled the party-like atmosphere the team creates at the boutique.

The shop makes no money for itself, with all of the proceeds going directly to the animals in the care of the Hudson Valley Humane Society. The funds are often used for the veterinary care of the animals as they wait for their fur-ever homes.

Feel good about your spring shopping and help out Rockland’s cutest residents by visiting the HVHS Thrift Boutique located at 200 Quaker Road in Pomona right off of Exit 13. The store hours are Wednesdays from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Volunteers are welcome to come join the party by stopping by the shop and asking for an application, or by calling 917-923-1725 for more information.