LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — The Opportunity Village Thrift Store operates on a simple principle: everything has its place, and everyone has their place.
The Las Vegas nonprofit provides employment opportunities for people with disabilities through its thrift store operations, where workers sort, price and sell donated items from the community.
“A lot of what we do is production-based because we receive incoming donations from the generosity of the public. Then our team sorts through those, prices them,” said Todd Riechers, who works at the store.
Processing donations creates jobs
Unlike traditional retail stores that receive pre-packaged merchandise, the thrift store’s donation-based model creates unique employment opportunities.
“Unlike your box chain stores that get boxes in and they go on a shelf, we don’t know what we’re getting. There is a process to everything before it hits the floor,” Riechers said.
The store’s clothing team alone sorts through more than 1,000 pieces of clothing daily. Workers have been with Opportunity Village for varying lengths of time, from a couple of years to decades.
“A lot of these folks, they’re all adults have been told their entire lives that they can’t do things. We don’t do that,” Riechers said. “We figure out what you can do, and we just encourage that to the best of our abilities to get them to the point where they can actually earn a wage, get a job and do that job very, very well,”
Workers find purpose and independence
Employees say they enjoy the work environment and the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities.
“The people are nice, kind, loving,” said Debbie McLeod, who works at the store.
Roger Burns said he appreciates the chance to help others while showcasing his skills.
“I kind of enjoy it where I help people and show people and the world what I can do,” Burns said.
McLeod said the job helps her work toward greater independence.
“It’s fun! I’m trying to be more independent, living here, going to work, going everywhere,” she said.
The store relies on community donations to sustain its operations and create employment opportunities.
“Everything we do here goes back to the people that we serve. It’s just an amazing place to be. An amazing place to work. To be able to work alongside these amazing folks is the best thing and that’s why I’m still here,” Riechers said.
“They’ve been told their entire life they can’t do something because they have a disability, but yet they can. Just given that opportunity,” he said.
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