About the Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop

Mission Statement

We are a local, nonprofit thrift shop promoting equity in our community by supporting Ann Arbor Public Schools’ parent teacher organizations and student activities.

Our Vision

A diverse and thriving community in which every Ann Arbor Public Schools student has equitable access to enrichment opportunities inside and outside the classroom.

Our Guiding Principles

1. To strengthen the ability of the Ann Arbor Public Schools to provide a broad spectrum of student enrichment activities.
2. To maintain safe, ethical and sustainable business practices.
3. To provide a professional and inclusive work environment.
4. To create an enjoyable and affordable shopping experience.
5. To promote service and volunteer opportunities.
6. To encourage responsible stewardship of the environment.
7. To respect our community of stakeholders.

Our Stakeholders

Ann Arbor Public Schools’ students, parents, faculty and staff;  Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop customers, donors, employees and volunteers; and the business and nonprofit communities.

How profits support school groups

In support of the Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop mission, profits from sales are distributed to participating AAPS school PTOs, PTSOs, and 501(c)(3) supporting clubs, organizations, and teams, for student enrichment activities in their schools.  Fundraising support from the Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop comes from our net profit from sales and is based on each school’s participation — we rely on the support of school PTOs and their communities for our inventory and promotion.  The more they participate with us, the more they earn.

History

The Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) Michigan Non-Profit Corporation on December 7, 1993. Modeled after the PTA Thrift Shop of Chapel Hill, NC, this business was established as an alternative fundraising option to merchandise sales used by parent groups to raise money.

In 1994, a group of parents held the first sale in the cafeteria of Tappan Middle School.  This start-up sale netted $5,000 which provided the seed money for the organization, as well as the first donations to participating school PTOs.

Since its inception, the Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop has rented space in several locations in Ann Arbor, and today occupies over 22,000 sq. ft. at 2280 S. Industrial, in an area known as south-east Ann Arbor’s “Re-Sale Row.” In 2016, the Showcase, featuring unique treasures, opened at 2284A S. Industrial, right next to the Donations Door.

Today, the shop employs over 20 full-time and part-time employees, including a Director of Promotions, a Shop Manager and two Assistant Managers.

The successful operation of the shop also relies on the dedicated work of volunteers from the Ann Arbor Public Schools PTOs who provide year-round promotional support via marketing materials.

The organization is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors.

Comments, compliments, or concerns? Contact our Director of Promotions:  a2ptothriftshop@gmail.com