Deseret Industries Thrift Store & Donation Center — Local services in Saint George

I want to start out by saying I do appreciate the work DI does for the community and others. This review has to do with their donation process which is why I am giving it 2 stars otherwise it would recieve one star. We are getting ready to move and we had some items we sadly needed to let go just due to the fact of them either not being used in a long time or not working in our new home. Normally we donate to either Hope Chest or Pawsitively but they are closed for donations on Mondays and we needed a place to donate today so since DI was open for donations on Monday we decided to go there. We organized the items into boxes and bags based on what they were, clothes in one, vintage books, both paperback and hardback in another, old 90s toys that were in fantastic condition (polly pocket world's, Betty spaghetti, etc), build a bears and their clothes, large art work, beanie babies, drinking glasses and plates, and more. All items were in wonderful condition, just not items that worked for us anymore in our current life phase, so wanted to let others that could use them have them. When we arrived and started unloading the items I was immediately surprised and horrified at how the unloading was being done. At Hope Chest they always place the boxes on a shelf to be sorted through and organized, but at DI they proceeded to throw the boxes into a giant box, dumping the paper backs and hardback books into the giant box, proceeding to get bent and crumpled under the next items being thrown in. The toys that had been so carefully looked after, chucked into the box even after being told they need to stay together since they're sorted by their item, and then being crushed under a large box full of decor. When explaining the build a bears and clothes can go together, it was ignored and tossed in the giant box now full of crumpled books, clothing, home decor, and toys. The beanie babies dumped out of the box they had been placed, proceeding to get lost in the crevice of the big box and smashed to the side. The only saving grace of the whole ordeal was that they were gentle with the large art while we were there and placed them to the side. I totally get that sometimes things donated may be "junk" but when we donate our stuff is taken such care of they practically look new. To see it so carelessly throw into a giant bin was shocking and really ruined the idea of donating. We literally afterwards sat for a moment in silence trying to process how damaged our old items now were. If I could give some advice, please make a better process rather than dumping everything into a giant box. Shelving, organization, something to help save and preserve what is being donated would save the employees time, as well as give those donating more peace of mind. I guess one last thing to add is, if you shop at DI just know those items are the lucky ones that survived. There's hundreds more that are now most likely in the trash due to their negligence. We will not be donating there again and I suggest to others perhaps take your lightly used items elsewhere as well as it won't be in one...

I have been going to Deseret Industries for well over a decade. Although it has changed over time I absolutely love the fact they hire mentally challenged and physically handicapped individuals to work there. Not all, of course, but it seems they go out of their way to offer opportunities to people that simply would have little opportunity elsewhere. I go out of my way to interact with everyone there and have gotten to know many people over the years. Not everybody there is handicapped etc... Some folks volunteer or just feel comfortable working in a positive environment. As far as finding treasure.... wow ! But alas since 2020 Ebay folks and resalers have really changed things (and scanning tech as well) - and that is ok too... Why? At any point during the day or week donated items by the community (I have donated as well) can pop up at random. For some older folks it is a homeground of sorts. For others it is a treasure hunt. For those who do not have a lot of money it delivers necessities and relief. Yes - a rare pair of 1970 Nikes can fall out of nowhere, or a rare 1st edition Planet of The Apes. My best find was an original 1966 autographed picture by all members of Pink Floyd years ago. With that being said - local tourists visiting S.Utah may want to stop by... But for me, it is about interacting with the employees and making them feel valued in a world that often ignores people who are a little different. Very special people - and a very special...

I've been shopping at Deseret Industries for about 8 years. We visit family in the area every couple years and I can't leave without visiting Deseret. We have been very fortunate to purchase children's clothes in advance to have on hand as our kids have grown into them. They have very very good prices on children's clothes from 12 months to 5T. After that size range, the kids clothes are fewer and more pricey. But still good brands and clean, good condition. We found some very nice Carhartt work shirts and a designer dress shirt for my husband. It's literally a $80 shirt online. It's absolutely our favorite shirt he owns. It was $8. My kids love scrounging around for bags of balls and funky toys. I found a lot of mid-century modern Oneida silverware in their bins which was perfect for my mid-century modern trailer. I also purchase mason jars here. They never sell chipped ones and at $0.50 a piece or less, I can't resist. I scored a brand new crock pot once 2. I've never taken the time to look in the women's section which is extensive. I believe they also have a maternity area which is a godsend! This is a very well-organized clean second hand store that has made a big difference in my family and being able to afford all the children's clothes we need. We've been able to leave this store with massive amounts of stuff for under fifty bucks. It felt like winning the lottery knowing we had 2 years of kids clothes...