There are many ways you can help an animal, but did you know it could be as easy as shopping? I interviewed Steve Farley, CEO of the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, about the grand opening of the HSSA Thrift Store.

“We got the word out, but I didn’t expect so many people to show up. By 9 a.m., there was a huge line of people waiting to get in, and we opened at 10,” says Farley. He added that they plan to turn that location into a shelter, so more animals can get adopted. “Every single dollar you spend helps a homeless animal at our shelter. Sometimes it can be thousands of dollars for just one animal to be healthy. We take in all kinds of animals and sometimes they need lots of medical help or training.”

The thrift store has a huge variety, from clothes to furniture, all at an affordable prices. “We encourage people to come in every week, it’s like a store, there is something new every day,” says Farley. Even if you can’t shop you can still help by donating unwanted items. Sam Levitz helps by donating furniture that they’ve had for a while, and HSSA resells it, at a cheap price! “I’m really proud of the finished product, just a week ago we were putting the roof on the building, and it was crazy, but I’m really proud of how it turned out,” says Farley. He also mentioned their future plans and new locations.

“We are the Humane Society of Southern Arizona and we’re serious about that, so we are opening a new location in Bisbee to help animals there, too. Each week 10 animals will be transported from Bisbee to our main location on Roger Road,” he says.

Not only are their items affordable, but every dollar is used to help an animal in need. Tuesday is Senior discount day and all shoppers 55 and older will receive a 15% discount. Military also receive a 15% discount with a valid military ID. Visit hssaz.org and click on shop for more information.

I would like to thank Farley and his incredible team for taking care of thousands of animals and finding time to answer my questions.