Or last chance?
Last Chance Mercantile in Marina, CA, operates with a noble triple mission: reducing waste, providing employment opportunities for veterans, and funding programs for the Veterans Transition Center (VTC). Situated at the ReGen facility, this thrift store is celebrated for its wide-ranging inventory that includes everything from books and boats to furniture and household treasures. Its unique approach to sustainability and community service has made it a favorite shopping destination, recognized as the “Best Eco-Friendly Business in Monterey County” by the Monterey County Weekly Readers Poll for several years.
Since its establishment in 1991, Last Chance Mercantile has played a significant role in promoting reuse and reducing waste in landfills by selling goods that have been either donated or salvaged. This initiative has successfully redirected over 700 tons of material from landfills annually, giving these items a “last chance” at a new life.
The store encourages donations of reusable goods, which not only supports the local green economy and provides affordable goods to others but also contributes to keeping usable resources out of the landfill. Items that cannot be accepted include those with refrigerants, bedding items like mattresses and box springs, children’s safety equipment, and unframed glass or mirrors.
The partnership with the Veterans Transition Center of California amplifies Last Chance Mercantile’s impact. Proceeds from the store support VTC operations and offer employment for veterans, helping them transition from crisis to self-sufficiency. This collaboration not only furthers ReGen’s mission of doing more to waste less but also empowers veterans by providing them with job opportunities and funding for VTC’s ongoing mission.
Last Chance Mercantile stands as a testament to the power of community, sustainability, and support for veterans, offering a meaningful way for people to contribute to both environmental conservation and social welfare.
