At Chicken Alley, the preparation for the winter holiday season begins far before December. The thrift store sets aside items year-round in preparation for the winter holiday season, stocking shelves with gifts, décor, and essentials for holidays including Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. Proceeds from every purchase go directly toward supporting underfunded Island Community Services, while the store also provides free items and emergency support to residents in need.
“We want to make sure there is something for everyone, and that if you want to get something special for someone you can, and we dub it ‘Thriftmas,’” said Jessica Tartell, the director of operations for Chicken Alley. “We’re not the only thrift shop who uses that term, but we really love to promote gifting secondhand.”
That mission is rooted in reducing waste during one of the most consumption-heavy times of year. “There is a lot of waste involved in Christmas, in the holidays, in the world; there’s a lot of single-use things where people just get rid of it pretty quickly, and we really strive to keep those things out of the landfill,” said Tartell.
On an Island defined by its transient population and seasonal shifts, Chicken Alley fills an important gap, offering last-minute gifts, decorations, and necessities to both year-round residents and those passing through.
“There are so many creative gifts you can make using secondhand items,” said Tartell. “There’s so many things you can upcycle to create really unique, one-of-a-kind gifts that are budget-friendly and have much more of an impact to the recipient and to the community.”
Proceeds from Chicken Alley’s sales support a wide range of Island Community Services programs, with funds that are unrestricted in their application, to address the community’s most pressing needs. “Wherever needs are lacking, or wherever funding is lacking, that’s where we are,” said Tartell.
“In addition to that, we provide many things to Islanders free of cost. So clients with Community Services are able to come in and shop free of cost … We also help the residents or the clients of Harbor Homes. In the event of an emergency and the Red Cross has clients, we help them,” said Tartell. “You know, there’s a lot of goodwill being given.”
This holiday season, shopping at Chicken Alley is about more than finding the perfect gift. It’s a way to give twice. “It’s the gift that keeps on giving,” said Tartell. The gift of thrift supports neighbors, strengthens community services, and is good for the planet. For Islanders looking to make their holiday spending count, choosing sustainability in a season often defined by excess offers a meaningful place to start.
After the busy holiday season passes, Chicken Alley will be taking a “winter nap” this year, the week between Christmas and New Year’s, opening back up in 2026 on Jan. 2.