FAIRHOPE, Ala. — If you have ever had the pleasure of raising a child, then you can appreciate how fast they grow. Most toddlers are fortunate to be able wear their new sneakers three times before their feet have outgrown them. So, once your child can not fit into their $30 shoes anymore, what happens to them?

Unfortunately, some families choose to throw the shoes and any other pieces of outgrown clothing into the trash bin, adding to the excessive number of trash bags that just sit in our landfills, forgotten and useless. Not only is this a colossal waste of money, but it’s horrible for the environment.

Other people, however, donate those unwanted and ill-fitting items to their local thrift stores, helping to save the earth, their community and possibly your money.

“I shop here because it is much cheaper than even the discount stores,” said Kathleen Cook, who just moved to Fairhope from North Carolina, while shopping at Emmy’s Thrift Store for furnishings for her new home.

“With the economy in its current condition, I believe thrift-store shopping will really increase,” said Robin McLain of Fairhope, also shopping at Emmys. “People are looking for ways to save money now.”

Brittany Stalhood agreed, “I already bought all of my Christmas gifts, and I am here shopping for myself now. I don’t usually shop thrifts stores, but my funds are running low because of the holidays.”

In addition to saving money, shopping at thrift stores helps people get into the holiday giving spirit by knowing that the money they spend there goes to help a good cause.

“Every time I come here, I find something good,” Richard Myers, a regular customer at Emmy’s, said with a smile. “I believe God blesses my shopping efforts because this store helps further His work.”

Emmy’s, which is an abbreviation for Ecumenical Ministries Inc., is a non-denominational social service agency that tries to prevent homelessness, feeds the hungry and assists with a vast number of other charitable causes. EMI is a United Way agency.

At Goodwill, their mission statement is painted right on the wall, “Helping create a better community.” Ninety-seven percent of all their profits go to offering educational services, employment assistance, family services and medical assistance in the local community.

Waterfront Rescue Mission helps the poor, addicted, homeless and abused. Their goal is to “demonstrate God’s Goodness by Providing Rescue and Recovery Services in Jesus’ Name.”

The Haven Resale Shop downtown benefits animals in need and Sister Julie’s resale shop, just around the corner on South Section Street, sponsors Eastern Shore Affordable Houses Inc, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to improving the living conditions of those in need.

“I donate my things and shop Sister Julie’s because I’ve seen the work of Kathy and Sister Julie firsthand. I have never seen anyone work as hard as they do to help people in need,” said Mary Balch. “Plus, when you come in here, you always get a big smile for free,” she added.

For those concerned with the etiquette of “re-gifting” this holiday season, you can still get in on the charitable giving spirit because not everything at the thrift store is used. The Haven is selling their 2009 pet calendars for $10 and Goodwill has its annual Christmas ornament called “Christmas on the Coast 2008,” for $12. This shiny gold ornament, which features two Mardi Gras masks usually sells out well before Christmas.

As if saving money and giving to great causes are not enough incentive to shop the thrift stores, it’s also eco-friendly. By shopping here, you are doing something called “pre-cycling,” which simply means using an old item in a new way. Essentially, then, by patronizing your local thrift store, you are helping to save the earth, one cheap, charitable purchase at a time.

“Why waste? By buying something pre-loved, you are recycling and reusing things that would have ended up in our overcrowded landfills,” said Goodwill shopper Barbara Ros.

So, this holiday season, why not give yourself an endorphin boost by shopping our local thrift stores? Besides saving yourself lots of green, while being “green,” you can spend on things that help support our local charities. It’s a win, win, win situation!

•Emmy’s Thrift Store, 564 Fairhope Ave., 990-8995.

•Goodwill Industries Retail Store, 90 Ecor Rouge shopping center, 990-7729.

•The Haven Resale Shop, 367 Morphy Ave., 929-1911;

•Sister Julie’s Retail Shop, 110 S. Section St., 604-0933.

•Waterfront Rescue Mission Bargain Center, County Road 34, 990-8803.