A thrift store 'sequel' debuts in Horseheads. What to know about Gifted Goods II.

Jeff Smith, Elmira Star-Gazette
·2 min read

Gifted Goods II, a community thrift store selling clothing and household goods, recently opened on South Main Street in Horseheads.

Triva Lewis, thrift store owner, said the store features used goods at an affordable price, including clothing, shoes, dishware, household goods, collectible sporting goods and other knickknacks.

“We provide 10% of all profits to Zanderland Autism Fund, established through the Community Foundation, supporting families and children dealing with autism spectrum disorders,” Lewis said. “We’ve got a lot of support from the community as customers come out to the store. It’s been great.”

Darlene Jackson, a customer checking out at Gifted Goods II, enjoys what the store does for the community.
Darlene Jackson, a customer checking out at Gifted Goods II, enjoys what the store does for the community.

Lewis said she thought Gifted Goods II would be a good way to provide items to the community at an affordable price, while using that platform to raise money for autism spectrum challenges.

“I think that this is a nice organization,” said Darlene Jackson, a customer from nearby Pine City. “They’re helping the community. I think this is awesome. Absolutely awesome.”

Thrift store supports those dealing with autism

Lewis, whose sister Shawna Smith opened Gifted Goods in Painted Post in late 2023, said she quickly became interested in opening a thrift store of her own and supporting the autism cause.

“I just want to do something that will make a positive impact and a positive effect on the community,” Lewis said.

Lewis said she began searching for a site to house the thrift store months ago and feels lucky she found such a good location at 3312 South Main St. in Horseheads.

Gifted Goods II in Horseheads is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and closed Sunday.
Gifted Goods II in Horseheads is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and closed Sunday.

“My sister's son, my nephew, deals with autism,” Lewis said. “It’s important for us to bring awareness to the community by using the thrift store. Not everybody fits in the same box. Sometimes you must look outside the box and try to help people fit in and that’s why we are here. We need to start accepting people and not try to make them fit in a box.”

Gifted Goods II is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and closed Sunday, Lewis said.

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Autism spectrum disorder is a condition related to brain development that begins in early childhood and impacts how a person perceives and socializes with others, according to the Mayo Clinic. There are a wide range of symptoms and severity and while there is no cure for autism spectrum disorder, intensive, early treatment can make a difference in the lives of many children.

This article originally appeared on Elmira Star-Gazette: Gifted Goods II opens in Horseheads. How it's supporting Autism Fund