Red Racks Thrift Stores, owned by Disabled American Veterans (DAV), directly funds programs that help veterans transition to civilian life. Since 1958, every purchase at their Missouri locations has supported essential services like medical care, job training, housing assistance, and transportation to VA appointments.
Unlike for-profit thrift stores, 100% of Red Racks’ proceeds go toward DAV initiatives, benefiting over a million veterans annually. The stores also create meaningful job opportunities with benefits and growth potential, further empowering veterans and their families. By shopping or donating, you contribute to a mission that truly makes a difference.
1. Red Racks Thrift Stores
Financial Support for Veterans
Red Racks Thrift Stores operate as a nonprofit organization under the ownership and management of Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Every purchase made at these stores directly funds DAV programs, with 100% of sales revenue going toward initiatives that assist veterans.
This consistent funding enables DAV to offer a comprehensive range of services to veterans, including medical care, job training, housing support, and counseling. These programs are instrumental in helping veterans transition to civilian life, positively impacting the lives of over a million veterans each year.
“Those people that are currently enlisted, this is their future, so we want to build upon that foundation.”– Chandra Regan, Business Operations Manager
Beyond financial assistance, Red Racks extends its efforts to engage directly with the community.
Community Engagement
Red Racks goes beyond being a thrift store by actively supporting programs that benefit veterans and their families. For instance, they address transportation challenges by coordinating over 700,000 rides annually for veterans to attend medical appointments. Additionally, they assist with filing more than 300,000 benefits claims each year, simplifying the often-complicated process for veterans.
The organization’s community contributions also include job training programs, scholarships, partnerships with food banks to provide meals, homeless outreach efforts, and educational initiatives. These programs demonstrate Red Racks’ commitment to addressing the diverse needs of veterans and their families.
Employment Opportunities
Red Racks also prioritizes creating meaningful career opportunities. With a focus on internal development, employees can grow within the organization. For example, Salvador, who started as a cashier, advanced to become a district manager overseeing nine locations.
Employees at Red Racks benefit from a supportive work environment and an extensive list of perks:
“Our team members enjoy a rewarding company culture, competitive pay, paid vacation, paid personal days, paid holidays, group medical/dental/vision insurance, accident insurance, their birthday off with pay, short term disability and an employee discount in all our stores. We regularly promote team members from within the company and provide internal management training. And, because we have multiple locations, there are plenty of opportunities for development and career advancement.”
These roles provide not just retail and customer service experience but also a sense of purpose, reflecting Red Racks’ mission to empower veterans through its operations and initiatives.
2. Other Thrift Store Organizations
Financial Support for Veterans
Several thrift store organizations channel their profits into programs that directly benefit veterans. For instance, AMVETS Thrift Stores contribute to AMVETS’ veteran programs while providing affordable, high-quality secondhand goods.
Disabled Veterans Charities (DVC) focuses on long-term rehabilitation, counseling, and housing assistance for homeless veterans. As DVC puts it:
“Helping veterans is our duty and our honor.”
Smaller initiatives, like Free Handyman for Disabled Veterans, rely on targeted donations to fund specific rehabilitation projects for veterans.
Beyond financial aid, many of these organizations enrich their communities through impactful programs aimed at veteran support.
Community Engagement
The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization goes beyond financial support by fostering strong community ties. Each year, DAV assists over one million veterans through services like VA medical transportation and employment assistance. DAV Chapter 16 further engages veterans by offering recreational activities and specialized programs that benefit veterans and their families.
Another example is the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), which operates ClothingDonations.org. This service collects donated clothing and household items to fund initiatives addressing veterans’ needs.
Employment Opportunities
Many thrift stores also create job opportunities tailored to veterans, adding another layer of support. Organizations such as DAV Thrift Stores and Goodwill Industries of Kansas provide a variety of roles, from entry-level positions to management. This commitment to meaningful employment is central to their mission. As Laura Ritterbush, President/CEO of Goodwill Industries of Kansas, explains:
“We believe meaningful employment transforms lives, and this opportunity aligns with our mission to provide job opportunities for everyone.”
Tessera (formerly Skookum) exemplifies this focus by participating in programs like AbilityOne, which ensures competitive, long-term employment for disabled veterans – who make up 35% of its workforce. Tessera offers careers in fields such as facility management, manufacturing, vehicle maintenance, and logistics.
Some organizations take their support even further. For example, Down the Road Thrift Store in Florida provided 122 apartments for HUD-VASH–eligible veterans in Brevard County in March 2018. Reflecting on this initiative, owner Jerry Vaughan shared:
“It’s not a matter of money. It’s a matter of honor and dignity for the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country… It falls on everyone to hold up those who answered the call to service, and this is my way of giving back.”
These employment and housing efforts highlight a unique approach, setting these organizations apart from others in the sector and showcasing their dedication to supporting those who have served.
Comparison of Approaches
After diving into the details of Red Racks‘ support for veterans, it’s clear their approach stands apart when compared to other thrift store organizations.
One major distinction lies in ownership. Red Racks Thrift Stores are owned and operated by Disabled American Veterans (DAV), meaning every dollar earned directly funds programs for disabled veterans.
“Red Racks Thrift Stores is a not-for-profit organization, owned and operated by Disabled American Veterans.”
This setup is different from for-profit thrift stores like Savers (Value Village), which donate only a portion of their revenue – typically between 8% and 17% – to charitable partners. In contrast, Red Racks allocates 100% of its proceeds to DAV programs, ensuring maximum impact for veterans.
Another standout feature is transparency. For-profit thrift stores often lack clarity about how much of their revenue supports charities. Red Racks, on the other hand, is directly tied to DAV, offering a clear and straightforward connection between purchases and veteran services. The table below highlights these differences:
| Approach | Red Racks/DAV | AMVETS Thrift | For-Profit Thrift Stores |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ownership Model | Direct DAV ownership | Operated by AMVETS | Partnerships with charities |
| Revenue to Veterans | 100% of proceeds | The majority of the proceeds | 8–17% of revenue |
| Primary Focus | Disabled veterans | All veterans | Various charitable causes |
| Transparency | Clear and direct | High | Variable |
| Geographic Reach | Missouri (10+ locations) | Multi-state | National chains |
| Support Services | Medical care, job training, housing | General veteran programs | Varies by partnership |
The impact of Red Racks’ model is undeniable. In 2021 alone, DAV provided over 163,000 rides to medical and VA appointments, assisted more than 151,000 veterans with benefit claims, and helped secure over $25 billion in VA disability benefits.
But Red Racks doesn’t stop at financial contributions. They also prioritize employment opportunities for veterans, combining revenue generation with career development. Their Missouri locations offer jobs that come with benefits and room for growth, creating a direct link between their operations and veteran well-being.
Community involvement is another cornerstone of their approach. By operating as a long-standing fixture in Missouri, Red Racks builds connections within local communities while actively supporting disabled veterans. This dual focus on economic and social integration sets them apart.
Chandra Regan, Business Operations Manager, highlights this forward-looking strategy:
“Those people that are currently enlisted, this is their future, so we want to build upon that foundation.”
This vision positions Red Racks as more than just a thrift store – it’s a lifeline for veterans, offering immediate assistance and laying the groundwork for long-term support. Their model creates a holistic system that goes beyond traditional thrift store practices, making a lasting difference in the lives of those who’ve served.
Conclusion
Red Racks Thrift Stores, operated by Disabled American Veterans (DAV), turns every purchase into a meaningful contribution. Proceeds help fund critical services like medical care, VA transportation, and job training for veterans.
What sets Red Racks apart is its deep connection to the local community. Since 1958, its Missouri locations have built strong ties while supporting between 10,000 and 20,000 veterans across the state. This isn’t just a store – it’s a lifeline for veterans, offering resources tailored to their unique needs.
Veterans like Gerald Caldwell have shared how DAV’s support has made a difference in their lives:
“They were able to give me medication, give me camaraderieship, help me through those times for me and my family”
Red Racks also empowers veterans through employment opportunities. By creating jobs with benefits and growth potential, the stores link their mission of revenue generation directly to veteran empowerment.
Community involvement is at the heart of everything Red Racks does. As DAV’s John Kleindienst puts it, collective efforts can create extraordinary results:
“Perhaps the most powerful part of volunteering and community service is the compound effect that happens when many people combine their efforts”
This unique model blends community engagement with veteran support, creating a cycle of positive impact. Every donation or purchase at one of Red Racks’ 10+ Missouri locations funds essential services like transportation, housing support, and assistance with benefit claims for disabled veterans. Whether it’s a donated shirt, a purchased book, or a household item, every contribution matters.
Want to make a difference? Visit Red Racks Thrift Stores to find your nearest location. By shopping or donating, you’re turning everyday actions into meaningful support for veterans. It’s a way to show that “thank you for your service” is more than just words – it’s a commitment to action.
FAQs
How does shopping at Red Racks Thrift Stores help support disabled veterans?
When you shop at Red Racks Thrift Stores, your purchases go beyond great deals – they help support disabled veterans. Every dollar spent contributes to vital programs and resources, ensuring veterans receive the care and support they deserve.
What’s more, Red Racks Thrift Stores is a veteran-owned and operated business, dedicated to empowering Disabled American Veterans. Whether you’re shopping or donating, you’re playing a part in improving the lives of those who have served our nation.
How does Red Racks use its proceeds to support disabled veterans and the community?
Red Racks channels its proceeds into programs that support disabled veterans and strengthen the local community. These initiatives include transportation to medical appointments, help with navigating benefit claims, housing assistance, and job training programs.
When you shop or donate at Red Racks, you’re contributing to vital services like ensuring access to medical care and community outreach efforts, directly impacting the lives of veterans and their families.
What job opportunities does Red Racks provide for veterans and their families?
Red Racks takes pride in creating job opportunities for veterans and their families, offering roles like retail associate, store manager, inventory coordinator, and marketing specialist. These positions come with hourly pay ranging from $13 to $23, based on the role and level of experience.
Beyond the paycheck, Red Racks offers a supportive workplace and chances for career growth, providing veterans and their families with a solid foundation to build rewarding careers.
