Paying It Forward: The Inspiring Story of Whitney Beth and Thrift It Atlanta
How Whitney Beth found strength and purpose through helping others
Whitney Beth knows what it’s like to fall on hard times. After leaving an abusive marriage the Atlanta mother of two struggled to pay the bills and feed her two growing boys. But instead of giving in to despair Whitney made a solemn vow—I’m going to get back on my feet and then I’m going to help others in need!”
Whitney Beth sat at her kitchen table staring at the light switch as her heart sank. The utilities had been turned off—again. The Atlanta mom of two would have to ask for help from her family. More than once they’d helped her meet a mortgage payment or fill an empty pantry. She felt blessed to have them. But what about others in similar situations whose families couldn’t lend a hand?
They must feel so alone, she thought, and vowed, I’m going to get back on my feet, so I can help them.
In 2017, when her son Braxton experienced a medical crisis, Whitney finally found the strength to leave an abusive marriage. Times turned tough for her, Braxton and his older brother, Darius. But she started buying items at estate and garage sales and reselling them on eBay to make a profit.
“I can put the designer clothes and other items to sell on eBay, and the rest I can put away to open a thrift shop for people in need,” she told her sons.
Whitney filed the papers to start a nonprofit called Thrift It Alanta (ThriftitAtlanta.com). But when COVID-19 hit, there were no more estate or garage sales. Her income plummeted. But instead of slipping into despair, Whitney doubled down on her promise to help others.
“If ever a good thrift shop was needed, it’s now,” she realized, and used a small inheritance from her brother to rent a tiny storefront.
As the Pandemic raged, people at home passed the time by organizing closets and cleaning out their garages.
I’m starting a thrift shop, she posted on social media. If you have things you’re getting rid of, put it in trash bags on your driveway and I’ll come get it.
I’ve got four big bags for you, posted one mom on the Nextdoor app, and soon, Whitney was driving all over Atlanta filling her car with furniture, clothes and cookware.
In May of 2021, she officially opened the Thrift It Atlanta store. Whitney quickly got to know her customers, many of whom didn’t have enough food for their children. She began offering rides to take folks to doctor’s appointments, and every week, she handed out dozens of cards with her name, phone number and the simple message: “If you need help, call me.”
Whitney took no salary from the thrift shop—even when an Atlanta TV station awarded her a $2,000 “Pay It Forward” grant. Instead, she started a fund to purchase a van, so she could pick up larger item donations and give rides to several people at once.
At the store, Whitney keeps prices low, and then uses proceeds to purchase food, sleeping bags, overdue utility bills and vouchers for emergency hotel stays those struggling. Whitney helps folks like Mary—who couldn’t find a landlord to rent to her because she was a recent victim of domestic violence. She helped persuade the landlord there would be no problems, and furnished Mary’s new apartment with all the essentials.
These days, Whitney and more than 20 volunteers spend a good part of everyday checking in with dozens of local residents. “She’s helping me fill out paperwork to get medical coverage and maybe a job,” says John Ellis, an adult with autism struggling with spinal issues and homelessness. Michael met Whitney on a blustery morning when she offered him a blanket and food.
“She checks up on me nearly every day,” says Michael, another recipient of Whitney’s kindness. “She’s helped me more than anyone else. She’s an angel.”
Over the past year, Whitney and her volunteers have helped well over 3,000 needy souls throughout the Atlanta area. “And I know every one of them by name,” she says. “I’m not sure how I ended up on this path but it’s God’s path. I believe I am where God wants me to be. Where I’m supposed to be.
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