In its one year in Dayton, TheZe DealZ thrift shop has become much more than a place to buy used sweaters, coats and shoes. It has become a community nerve center, a place to socialize, network and pitch in to help neighbors in need. And thanks to Zontaye Richardson \u2013 known affectionately as Miss Z \u2013 it resonates with teenagers.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou get your own style, you get to express how you want to,\u201d said Patricia Johnson Woods, who shops at the store daily.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s more about serving the community and having a fun place for people to come; a warm environment for people to shop,\u201d said Richardson, who graduated in 2007 from Wright State with a degree in rehabilitation services. \u201cAnd I treat the children just like I treat the adults.\u201d<\/p>\n
The thrift store is filled with racks of coats, sweaters and baby clothes \u2014 from tiny pink dresses to black fleece jackets to gray sweats. The shelves are stocked with hats, belts and purses. Shoe offerings range from brown loafers to red sneakers.<\/p>\n
Richardson\u2019s shop also helps the community where she grew up. The items that are not sold are donated to local housing projects and homeless shelters.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have grown tremendously so in the near future, possibly expansion so we will see,\u201d said Richardson.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
In its one year in Dayton, TheZe DealZ thrift shop has become much more than a place to buy used sweaters, coats and shoes. Continue reading