New Wake Forest thrift shop supports schools

All proceeds from sales at The Giving Tree will be donated to 11 public and private schools in Wake Forest.

“Each time someone comes to volunteer or donate an item, they fill out a form and choose what school they want to support,” said store owner Leigh Grieco, who decided to open the shop as a way to raise money for her child’s school.

“At the end of the year, The Giving Tree will donate its proceeds to the school based on the support they receive,” she said.

Customer Amy Kindrachuck said she is excited about the new store.

“I think that it is a fabulous idea,” she said. “I can get something that I love for my home and support the schools.”

The Giving Tree hopes to donate $10,000 to education in its first year.

“We just want the best for our kids, and education is just so wildly important to me and everyone I know,” Grieco said.

The Giving Tree is not the first of its kind in the area. The PTA Thrift Shop in Carrboro and Chapel Hill has been in business for more than 50 years and contributes $250,000 to local schools annually.