Holiday thrift catching on

"Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way," sang a talking wreath as Hilda Nelson walked into Spirit of Life Ministries Thrift Shop in Sebring Friday.

She was looking for a bargain on a Christmas tree with gold accents.

"I think I have just what you're looking for," Pastor Helen Todd said, holding up a small artificial tree with colorful ornaments and a gold pot stand.

"That's it," Nelson remarked. "I found my tree."

Local thrift stores are reporting that the economy and the increased unemployment rate have led shoppers, who would have bought new in better times, to buy second hand during the holidays.

"If their funds are limited, they're going to go where their dollar can stretch," Todd said.

At Todd's thrift store, shoppers can find holiday stockings, wreaths, singing teddy bears, ornaments and more for 50 percent off.

Nelson's tree was priced at a bargain at $9, but she paid $4.50 with the sale.

Like Todd's thrift store, Habitat's Home Supply Store has Christmas items on sale at half price.

A section of the second floor, known to volunteers as "man's land," has been converted to red and green holiday cheer.

Shelves filled with handmade Santa magnets, wooden elves, painted acorns and Christmas knick-knacks are waiting for their new home.

The hand painted reindeer coaster displayed could have been an elementary kid's art project, and maybe the clear ornament with the white feather in the center that Mary Mercer picked up when she said, "I found my first ornament for our tree," is in its fourth or fifth Christmas.

That's the fun part about shopping at second-hand stores, said Diane Roush from Lake Placid.

"You never know what you're going to come across," she said.

At Habitat, Roush was able to find a Santa Claus treasure box to place a jewelry piece she's sending to her mother in Kentucky.

"That'll be 54 cents," the cashier said.

"It's half price."

Bargain gift ideas and rare finds

A wreath that would cost $30 brand new goes for about $5 at Habitat and at Spirit of Life Ministries Thrift Shop.

Habitat has received a continuous flow of Christmas merchandise and household items, including televisions which are 25 percent off, tableware, books and furniture.

"People are on a budget but still want to create that Christmas feel in their home," Sarah Pallone,director of development and communications for Habitat, said.

Unique finds like a sterling silver tea set or even higher end rarities like a Lowrey Royale Organ valued at over $39,000 that's selling for $18,000, attract customers to Habitat and other second-hand stores.

Last week two trucks full of furniture and household items arrived and most have already sold.

Highlands County Habitat President Michael Jacobson said in the first 11 days of December, Habitat's store sales were up 30 percent compared to November.

"Instead of just shopping for the home improvement items they are buying gifts at a bargain," Jacobson said.

Thrift stores selling Christmas items

Habitat's Home Supply Store, 159 S. Commerce Ave. in Sebring

Spirit of Life Ministries, 1544 Lakeview Drive in Sebring

Nu- Hope Elder Care Services Inc. Thrift Shop, 103 S Main Ave. in Lake Placid

ARC Ridge Area Thrift Store, 899 W Main St. in Avon Park

Second Time Around, 19 N Main Ave. in Lake Placid