Developmental Disabilities Institute to host first-ever pop-up thrift store
More than 1,000 unique accessory items, including a fashionable assortment of handbags, jewelry, scarves, hats, belts and neckties, are to be featured and available for sale at incredible bargain prices at Developmental Disabilities Institute’s (DDI) first-ever pop-up thrift store to be held on Thursday, August 15, from 3 to 8 p.m. at DDI, 99 Hollywood Drive, Smithtown.
Prices for these items of curiosity will range from $2 to $100 and are sure to appeal to the bargain hunter and the most discriminating buyer. Many items are from well-known designers and luxury brands including Coach, Kate Spade, Tory Burch, Cole Haan, Hartmann, Tumi, Vera Bradley, Vigneri and Banana Republic.
“By participating in our pop-up thrift shop, you’re not just getting great deals, you’re also making a difference,” explains Jozette Prescott, Chief Program and Quality Officer at, DDI. The proceeds will directly support DDI’s educational, therapeutic, and vocational services for children and adults with autism and other intellectual disabilities. In addition, the shop will serve as a valuable vocational teaching opportunity for adults served by DDI, empowering them with retail and customer service skills.
DDI offers a wide array of employment, work exposure, and training opportunities for the individuals it supports, including job placement, coaching and other support. These programs have the goal of giving opportunities to explore the world of work with hands-on training to develop skills that will be helpful in pursuing competitive employment.
With this pop-up event, in celebration of National Thrift Shop Day on August 17, DDI is also gearing up for the future opening of a retail location in Smithtown for our gift baskets, artwork and holiday décor masterfully crafted by participants in DDI’s Adult Day Services programs. Stay tuned for more details about this new chapter in their community involvement.
About Developmental Disabilities Institute
Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI) provides compassionate personal care to meet the emotional, educational, therapeutic, and vocational needs of children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. Founded by parents in 1961, DDI has grown to be a dynamic, nonprofit, multi-site agency serving more than 1600 children and adults in our care each day. Over six decades, we have built a strong reputation for providing exceptional services for all people in our programs, and in particular those who present with the most complex needs. At our core, DDI believes that every person deserves every opportunity to live a rich and meaningful life. Therefore, with a workforce made up of people inspired by purpose®, DDI provides the highest standards of individualized services from expertly trained, caring, and competent staff. For more information, visit www.ddiny.org.
