Caring Hands Thrift Shop — Local services in Kendall Township

My husband and I stopped by Caring Hands Thrift Store recently while passing through Yorkville. We had visited about a year ago and remembered the store having a great selection, especially the Christmas room, so when we saw it again, we decided to turn around and stop in.

Unfortunately, this visit left us feeling very uncomfortable and unwelcome. Within just a few minutes of being inside, both my husband and I noticed we were being watched closely by the staff. It created such an uneasy feeling that we couldn’t even browse normally. My husband mentioned he didn’t even feel comfortable putting his hands in his pockets because of how closely he was being watched.

I spent most of my time in the Christmas room and found some linens and dish towels that were bundled together. When we went to check out, the cashier was short and curt with us, and at one point raised her voice about how the towels were priced — as if I had somehow put them together myself. It was embarrassing, especially with other customers nearby, and the situation could have been handled much more politely.

What added to the frustration was realizing later that we had actually been charged twice for a couple of the items we purchased. It’s disappointing, especially from a business that presents itself as being run by a church or Christian organization. Regardless of what kind of store it is, no shopper should be made to feel uncomfortable or looked at with suspicion simply for browsing.

It’s truly unfortunate because the store does have a nice variety of items — some reasonably priced, some a bit on the high side — but after this experience, we won’t be returning. I hope the management reads this and uses the feedback to improve how customers are treated...

I’ve been shopping and donating to Caring Hands for the past 3 years. I’ve always had positive experiences, until today. I had a trunk full of items to donate. My donations are always in clean, working condition. I carefully pack the items so it’s easier for those taking in the donations to handle. Today’s donations included household items, jewelry, wall art, a large wall clock, books, and vintage music boxes. The older man taking in the donations came to my car and I opened up my trunk. He kind of backed away and I commented to him that I wasn’t sure how he wanted handle the large box in my trunk. He said he didn’t want any of it. I was shocked and asked why. He said none of it would sell and they would only throw it away. So I said ok, I’ll just go to Goodwill. I moved my car into a parking spot and went inside to speak to a manager. The manager came out and said she would take my donation herself. She then met me at the donation drop off to take my donation accompanied by the same gentleman who refused my items. I guess I’ll have to give my donations to Goodwill from now on because I have no confidence that my donations will be sold, instead they will be tossed into the garbage. I won’t be shopping there...

I am usually a frequent shopper at Caring Hands. Unfortunately lately, I'm noticing their prices are not only getting higher but I think they've got the eBay bug. Went in there the other day to poke around and asked about an item that wasn't priced. The lady was gone for a good 5 minutes which should have been my first clue. She came out and started spewing, "well this is vintage, so its $3 a glass." Then goes into an explanation of how they looked it up on eBay and everything. Ma'am, you are a charity shop that gets your stuff for free. You are not an antique store nor are you an eBay store. If you want to price your DONATED items at eBay prices, then I suggest you open an eBay store and sell your items there. You are supposed to be a religious based store as well and sounds to me like greed is now fueling you. I won't be back anytime soon as this experience really left a bad taste. I also will be sure to tell all my other fellow thrifters to avoid you since apparently you are looking to get eBay prices off...