Illinois Thrift Shop Supports an Amazing Cause — And It’s a Must-Visit

Any time of year is good for thrift shopping, but it seems that more people like to visit their favorite secondhand stores more often in the fall.

It could be because people want to find that extra layer of clothing or something vintage for the last few months of the year, or it could be because they want some great Halloween costume pieces for cheap.

With the prospect of a trip to the thrift store in the next few weeks, I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. I began to wonder if there was a definitive list of the best thrift stores out there.

Well, since it's the Internet, yes, I found a list of the best thrift stores by state, and the one I found in Illinois sounds really cool.

Keep Reading: Shopper Stumbles Upon Priceless Find in Wisconsin Thrift Store

It's so cool; the next time I'm in Chicago, I'm hitting this place up.

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The place is called Brown Elephant Resale Shop, and Apartment Therapy was really singing its praises, 'and with good reason. It's an offshoot of Howard Brown Health, a Chicago-specific org dedicated to aiding the LGBTQ+ community, including those who are uninsured or underinsured. That means every penny spent at the Lakeview, Anderson, or Oak Park locations helps fund expert healthcare services.' This admirable initiative left me feeling inspired and eager to support their cause.

The website goes on to say that if there were a 'Most Eclectic' Award for thrift shops, Brown Elephant would be a 'contender,' listing a few wild items and adding 'more that you really have to see to believe.' This promise of the unexpected left me intrigued and eager to explore.

It's always great to see a thrift shop that helps those in need, like Salvation Army and Goodwill, and the same would go for Brown Elephant.

There are three Brown Elephant locations at 3020 North Lincoln Avenue, 5404 North Clark Street, and 812 West Belmont Avenue.