More than 60 years ago, an American Cancer Society volunteer named Denise Noel had a bold idea: What if a thrift store could be more than just a secondhand shop? What if it offered high-quality, beautifully curated merchandise, and used the net proceeds to fight cancer?In 1965, Denise opened the very first American Cancer Society Thrift Store in the San Fernando Valley in California. It was a radical concept at the time – quality and thrift didn't usually go hand in hand. But, thanks to her vision, passion, and determination, that little shop started something big.The idea quickly caught on. Volunteers across California stepped up, opened stores, and gave each location a personality of its own with creative names like "Nice Twice" and "Just a Second." In the 1980s, a new name took hold –Discovery Shop. With it came a clear identity, resale with purpose, community at heart, and guaranteed quality.Since that first shop opened, Discovery Shops have raised more than $372 million to support the American Cancer Society's mission. Today, there are 59 shops nationwide. While each has its own local flavor, all are united by one common goal: to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families.One Million Strong and GrowingEvery year, more than a million people walk through the doors of a Discovery Shop. They come from every walk of life and every background – and they all leave knowing they're part of something bigger.Together, we're supporting survivors. We're fueling breakthroughs. We're fighting cancer, one donation, one purchase, and one volunteer hour at a time. We are the American Cancer Society Discovery Shop, and we thank you for 60 years of support.Become Part of Our StoryWe invite you to shop, donate, or volunteer because every action helps us move closer to ending cancer as we know it, for everyone.
