On that one cold rainy day last week, I dropped by the Happy Dragon Thrift Store, the “Dragon” at 245 W. Main St. I had just read online that a person in Virginia had purchased a $3.99 vase at a thrift store that turned out to be worth over $100,000. Maybe I could find a valuable score, I thought. Perhaps a Rembrant painting, you never know. I was off for some adventure “thrifting,” as the kids say.
The younger generations seem to be waking up to the value of second-hand shopping. Thrifting is now touted as fashion sustainability, a means of personal expression and ethical consumerism. It also offers exclusive, one-of-a-kind finds that cannot be achieved with fast fashion. Social media and increased eco-consciousness have been huge in raising thrifting awareness. Thrifting is about sensible budgeting. But it’s also just “cool.” With Los Gatos being an affluent town, the Dragon receives many unique one-of-a-kind high-end treasures. Forget the mall and online shopping. Instead, you can wander down the street to find unique items while also supporting mental healthcare. And, who knows? Maybe you’ll find a $3.99 vase that turns out to be priceless.
Welcome in
Entering the Dragon on a dreary day in a blue apron, volunteer Alyssa Lau, 17, greeted me warmly. There is only one paid employee at the Dragon, the store manager. I asked Lau what motivates her to volunteer. “A friend and I found the Happy Dragon when we were thrifting,” Lau stated. “I found out that I could volunteer here, as I was 16 at the time. This is a really cool store and I love the atmosphere. Everyone is really friendly.” Lau suggested I meet with Nancy Jones, the president of the Ming Quong Auxiliary (est. 1934). Lau led me past a whole wall of vases (I would return very soon here) and deeper into the Dragon’s belly. We walked past many tables loaded with holiday decorations and a few ugly sweaters on racks. (I would have to return here, too).
Jones had just completed an in-store meeting and was eager to let me know what was going on. I asked her about all the donations. “We never know what will be donated,” she said. “You know, we have beautiful antiques and china sets—things from homes in the neighbourhood that get donated to us. Would you like to see the back?” Yes please.
As we went through a door marked, “Employees Only,” Jones explained how the space was once a feed store. “We open this big garage door here,” she said. “We pull out the donation tables and we are able to accept donations from the cars that come ‘round the circular driveway that rims the shop. There are probably about 50 different departments here to sort donations. We have specific hours for donations because sometimes it is like a tsunami back here.”
Jones said they’re aware that there are plenty of places people can choose to donate to. “We try to accommodate those who wish to donate here,” she said. I noted the many bins built on top of the tables. Several volunteers in blue aprons were sorting diligently through recent arrivals in blue aprons. The shift’s volunteer manager wears a green apron and was up front. Maybe one of them knows where to find a $3.99 vase?
Funding the “Radiant Light” of Eastfield Ming Quong
Jones then shared with me a little bit about how the Dragon came into being. “The store was founded around 1958,” she said, noting a mother and daughter team collected green stamps and held yard sales to support their philanthropic efforts. “They wanted to raise funds for the Ming Quong Home.” It was established in 1934 by the Presbyterian Church. It was an orphanage for Chinese girls, mostly from San Francisco. A separate institution, the Eastfield Home of Benevolence in San Jose merged with Ming Quong Home in 1987-1988, becoming known as Eastfield Ming Quong, or “EMQ.” When this merger occurred it was made clear by the volunteers that funds raised here would stay within Santa Clara County. In 2022, it was renamed Pacific Clinics. It’s now a statewide organization.
In the 1957-58 time period, the mother and daughter founders of the Happy Dragon, who had been holding yard and rummage sales, thought there must be a better way to raise funds. A brick and mortar store would help do this consistently, rather than bringing in dollars during the occasional rummage or yard sales. It would be easier to accept donations and then resell them.
Sixty-eight years ago, a $7,000 downpayment was placed on 245 W. Main St. Today this building is free and clear with only operating costs involved. All of the Dragons profits support social services through PC, with PC now owning and managing the building. The funds raised averages $50,000 monthly. (That is not a typo—monthly is accurate). The Dragon has donated over $15 million dollars over the years. The volunteers are all very proud of this.
How to train your the Dragon
And where exactly does that $50k go? Of course, some of this—less than 10%—goes into keeping the building functional (water, PG&E, property taxes and so on). The rest goes to PC. PC is one of the longest-operating behavioral health service providers in California. They develop relationships with and support service referral networks. Partnerships also allow PC to provide valuable opportunities for nurses and graduate students to gain real-world experience.
You will never know what you might find while on a thrifting adventure. On my recent visit to the Dragon I noticed: stuffed toys, children’s clothes, girls’ confirmation dresses, sets of magnificent china, unique art objects and seasonal decor. My editor tells me he found a pair of dapper dress shoes for a steal of a deal.
You can participate
- They are always looking for volunteers. And if you want to join in the fun, all you have to do is fill out an application online or drop by and speak to the manager on duty. In speaking to the volunteers that were there for their four-hour shift on the day I dropped in, I noticed that everyone was helpful and friendly. This is a volunteer community that is dedicated and cares about what they are doing. And they care about each other.
They’re also always seeking donations. But note: large furniture and electronics are not accepted. If you have questions concerning your donation please call. Frequent donors know they’re helping the environment as well as those children and families in need.
