The ShareHouse sells used goods for good causes

Logo from The ShareHouse

There is a new way to shop on the west side of Ann Arbor. You can find great prices on slightly used merchandise while you support worthy organizations. Christian Montessori School of Ann Arbor has opened The ShareHouse. Located at 5161 Jackson Road (that's west of Independence Plaza and east of Zeeb Road), The ShareHouse is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 am until 6 pm and Saturday from 9 am until 3 pm.

The warehouse style building is being transformed with tall shelves, racks, and tables loaded with secondhand merchandise. The ShareHouse is the picture of warmth and giving, not so heavy on organization. Manager Jim Daratony says, "I would love to have more volunteers. We can keep lots of people busy."

Donations are coming in and augment the initial inventory that was given to The ShareHouse by the landlord for a secondhand store that went out of business. "Area businesses have been extremely generous with donations," says Daratony.

The ShareHouse accepts donations of clothing, books, furniture, working appliances and electrical equipment, toys, decorative items, glassware, dishes, plumbing parts, electrical supplies, and clean, gently used items that can be resold. They can not accept computer monitors, pianos, electrical items that do not work, damaged or recalled items, waterbeds, and child or baby car seats.

The drop-off bay is open during the store's business hours. If you need some assistance, call Jim Daratony at 734-222-0876 to arrange for a pick-up.

Prices for the merchandise are negotiable. People who can pay, do so. People who can't pay, receive what they need for free.

There is a large section in the store for clothing. There are racks filled to overflowing with shirts, pants, coats, hats, and bags. The selection is large and items are being added every day. There is a dressing room to try on items before deciding to purchase them. And there are carts to fill up with the bargains.

They have display cases filled with jewelry. There are LPs, audio tapes, and video tapes. There are Christmas decorations and wrapping paper. They have office supplies, tools, dishes, mugs. and glassware. There are hundreds of books organized by category. There is a special room upstairs with toys, stuffed animals, box games, and specialty items. The search for a source of affordable toys is over; this is the place to shop.

There is a sense of the treasure hunt about shopping at The ShareHouse. The unusual is mixed in with the everyday. The authentic sits next to the faux. The lavender plastic picnic set is near the jumble of mismatched tableware. Amid the almost complete dish sets, you can spot the china and the From China. Walk up and down the aisles slowly to take in everything there is to offer.

Check out the lower level which offers lots of furniture. There are couches, computer hutches, desks, and rockers. Look for Steelcase stacking chairs, a solid oak dining room table, and many more items. This is a good spot to check out if you need chairs of any kind or style. Some pieces need repair, and others could use a good cleaning. There are lots of great furniture items that could live on and provide utility and beauty in a new home.

The ShareHouse accepts layaways on items over $20. Check with the staff about their policy on payments.

One goal of The ShareHouse is funding the Christian Montessori High School which opened with the first six students. If you are interested in more information about the faith-based, tuition-based private school, phone them at 734-332-9600.

The ShareHouse also works with local and international organizations including Amazon Medical Missions, American Montessori Society, Ann Arbor YMCA, Domino's Farms, Howell Nature Center, Michigan Montessori Society, Planet Rock, Salvation Army, Saline Evangelical Senior Citizen Homes, State of Michigan Family Independence Agency, St Andrews Homeless Shelter, Staples Family Center, Washtenaw County Good Start, and Wild Swan Theatre.

The ShareHouse is on the south side of Jackson Road. Look for the tall sign post. They have lots of off-street parking. Click here for a map.

When buying for your family or your friends, spend your Michigan dollars in Michigan.

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