Bargains from A-Z (aka what we accept & sell)

You probably have already figured out that Lil's has a tight rein on our expenses so we can give absolutely every penny, uh, nickle to our partners as possible.  We also know that a lot of YOU want to stick to a budget, which may be your reason for thrifting in the first place!  Fear not--most of the volunteers are also bargain hunters, so we want to present a shop where we are proud to be behind the counter. 

We want you to look forward to visiting Lil's because our shop doesn't have that "thrift shop" smell!  We want you to be excited to come in and see bright, clean, organized displays.  And mostly, we want you to "wag your tail" because of the great deals you'll find on really unique items!

We like to offer unique surprises, like treats for your pups, treats for your kids, free pickup for furniture donations, packing of fragile treasures for travel, Lil's Thrift Shop Show & Tell, a "What the Lil's" game on FB, and a public restroom!   We've even got a beverage station, which is especially handy if you have someone waiting for you in the parking lot.  Might as well make them comfortable while you plunder!

In addition to super low fixed prices on books, many kitchen items, and linens, we research items that come in and then discount by at least 60% (in many cases much more than that!)  

You'll be amazed, but we often get "Found Treasures" valued at well over $500!  (That's right, you'd get them for a steal.)

But wait!  There's more!  To make sure we always keep fresh inventory, we have a rolling discount system where prices are dropped by 25% at the end of each month.  Don't miss our 75% off sales...but don't wait until then before you buy something you love!  Many times donations don't even stay in the shop for a week!

We're kinda like the Labrador of thrift stores.  We want to do all we can for you to have a tail-wagging Experience, not just an errand.  

And, even when you can't make it in person, we want you to have lots of ways to give to the cats & dogs of Rutherford County, so we have other ways for you to shop:

• Follow us on Facebook, because we frequently post new items as they come in (especially on Fridays & Saturdays.)  Act quickly!  You can call the shop to purchase by phone.
• We have a booth at Dive Bomber Vintage, 126 Park Lane Drive, Rutherfordton, NC   (Open 10-4 Tues-Sat)
• Leave your wishes on the board & other people will keep an eye out for them to show up!
• Sometimes, we have offsite estate sales & special events.  (Keep an eye on FB for details.)

Whether it's change in the jar when you check out or online clicks with lots of zeroes, seriously, every bit helps!  Click below if you're motivated to give now!  

In 2025, one day, a young boy came into the shop hoping to spend his quarter for the dogs and cats. Though disappointed the candy machine was gone, he still dropped his 25 cents into our change jar.  Another visitor leaves $100 bills wherever he goes—and we were grateful to see proof of his visit there as well.  Together, those spare coins, small bills, and “two cents’ worth” donations added up to over $5,000! 

AND coming soon: a way for you to sign up onliine to donate every month.  If you were to give a full tank of gas each month, that could provide spay/neuter services for half a dozen or more animals!

Thank you so much!

If you'd like to donate household goods, decor, or furniture that is in good, clean, working order, please bring it during our open hours (Wed-Sat 10-4.)  Even though it may not be your cup of tea anymore, it could be JUST the thing someone will walk in the shop looking for! (It happens all the time!)  Every sofa, piece of art, book, and yes, even cup for tea that is sold means more money we can give to our nonprofit partners.  

If you have unopened cat/dog food, that goes directly to our partners.   Click below to get their current wish list.

We are proud to have such loyal support from many  individuals & businesses throughout Lake Lure, the Hickory Nut Gorge community & beyond!

These generous donations to our annual fundraising events enable us to expand our reach and provide even more resources and services to our partners.  

Thanks to those donations, we had an incredible silent auction all the partiers at the 2025 Paws for the Cause Celebration. which resulted in $54,383! 

Also in 2025, we were thrilled to receive two unrestricted grants: $5,000 from the Ambinder Family Trust, Community Foundation of Central Florida and $25,000 from the Lance H. Kwasniewski Donor Fund, dedicated to Pam Quinn and Lance Kwasniewski.