Spring is here! Commence your spring cleaning! Here in Middleburg and the surrounding area, we are fortunate to have a wide variety of "thrift" shops, places to which one can donate long unneeded but perfectly good items of all kinds, or consign, and destinations for those who enjoy the search for a great find at a great price.

The Middleburg Humane Foundation thrift shop, formerly located next to Scruffy's Ice Cream and Coffee Parlour on Washington Street, has moved to a bigger location on West Main Street in Marshall and has been renamed The Middleburg Humane Foundation Resale Boutique. A very fitting name for the improved quality of items, and with a bigger store, the variety is impressive. Funds raised go to the operation of the animal shelter and attending costs in helping our animal friends in need.

In Upperville sits a little gem named the Golden Rooster Thrift Shop. Lovingly referred to as the "Upperville Dollar Store", this open on Saturday mornings only, 9 am to 12-noon shop is located on the Upperville Episcopal Church property. It's literally chock full of bargains at dollar prices, and most notably boasts a terrific men's section. An all-volunteer staff is lead by Cindy Thompson (Dougherty, MD), and Nancy Phenicie who do a herculean job of sorting the donations and bringing in new items each week. Their BIG fundraiser, the "Boutique Sale", is May 26th and 27th, Memorial Day weekend, 9 am to 5 pm. Designer clothing, shoes, jewelry, accessories, is likened to a Filene's Basement wedding dress sale. For those who want an early shopping opportunity, a preview party is on Friday, May 25th, from 6 - 9 pm, with a $10 admittance donation. The funds raised go to those with immediate financial emergencies, among other types of assistance.

Fortunately, the old MHF space did not stay empty for long. Newly painted and appointed, Old Millstones Thrift Shop - Art and Antiques - offers a fabulous array of vintage, aged, historical and collectible: books, jewelry, china, metal, clothing, art, prints, memorabilia, antiquarian, and a little contemporary thrown in for good measure. Walking into the store is like walking back in time. Owner David Braun has an eye for the unique, interesting, and rare, and prices everything to go. This is not a donation business, per se, for it was David's dream to have a place to display and offer things he has been collecting for years. There's a story behind each item, ask him!

The White Elephant, on Federal Street, is a do not miss consignment store famous for brand new, mint, fashionable items and interesting things. And when you're done shopping, enjoy the best ice cream (Hershey's) ever at Scruffy's. Now in its 30th year, shop owner Hilleary Bogley shares tip jar donations with several animal rescue groups and being pet-friendly, dog bones are plentiful for the hungry pooch.

In the area, Blue Ridge Hospice has nine locations from Winchester to Harrisonburg. The hospice organization supports patients and families needing end-of-life care regardless of ability to pay. Each store is well organized, the easy to spot weekly discounts are color coded, and their dedicated staff makes for a very enjoyable day after you've brought your donations - hint, hint. It's best to check with each business before donating items, especially electronics, and many offer a pick-up service for larger items like furniture, even automobiles.

Paying it forward and giving back, with so many options, start your spring cleaning today!