As an avid shopper, it only makes sense that I have to take a trip to all of the hottest spots in town. But eventually you get bored with the same old stores and the same old clothes and you need to spice it up. Yeah sure, you could take a road trip to the next town over or shop online... or you could just go to your local Goodwill.

1. Your money is going to a good cause

This is undoubtedly the most important reason. Not many people know just exactly where the money that they spend at Goodwill goes. They know it goes to a “good cause”, but in reality, that could mean just about anything. The money you spend a Goodwill goes towards their Mission Services. One example of one of the services offered through Goodwill is Job Coaching. Goodwill employees go out into the community and guide people who are either underprivileged youth or have a mental or physical disability and teach them employment skills that may seem like common sense to us but are a far more complex lesson for others.

2. It's eco-friendly

Every item in Goodwill stores is donated. Those who donate to Goodwill are keeping more clothing that can be reused out of landfills. By shopping at Goodwill, you are furthering this trend. By having those clothes in your closet, you decrease the demand for items that could potentially be overproduced and may end up in the landfill regardless.

3. Unique finds

You know what they say, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” What I like most about shopping at Goodwill is that I know if I buy something, there is a very small chance that when I walk into class, everyone around me will be wearing something similar. With that being said, only at Goodwill can you be sure that you will find exactly the clothing item that you are looking for. There are very few other places that you can walk in wanting a vintage, baggy sweatshirt and walk out with 5 for under $20.

4. It's the perfect place to follow the thrift store trend

I can not tell you how many times in the past year that my friends have suggested that we go to a thrift store on a Saturday afternoon. I, of course, do not mind this suggestion at all, but there are only so many thrift stores in town. So, next time you're out with your friends and they only want to go to the super off the wall places, remind them of what all Goodwill has to offer. Goodwill puts new items out on the floor every week, just because you went last week and didn’t see anything you like, chances are if you come back the next week, you will.

5. You can transform your wardrobe and not break the bank

It’s not uncommon to get bored with the same old items in your wardrobe. You can only wear the same combination of outfits so many times. Not to mention it’s cool to have a fun statement piece to throw on to spice up an average outfit. There are very few items that cost more than $5 and most of them float around $2-$3. Get to know the weekly sales that your local Goodwill has and make sure to visit them on those days. Most Goodwills have one or two days a week where everything with a certain colored tag is only $1. Take advantage of the amazing prices to add some variety to your closet.

6. Perfect place to get the materials for your next DIY project

Pinterest is filled with a million DIY ideas and Goodwill is the perfect place to get the clothes you want to design. Whether it be tie-dye, an alternative neckline or you want to make a purse out of a pair of jeans. With the wide array of clothes at Goodwill at such low prices, it's okay if you mess up the first time... or five. Regardless, you never know, Goodwill could inspire you to start your own clothing line.