“For me, the connection to the thrift shop is through my love of fashion and working in retail since I was 14. When the opportunity came up to be the manager here, I had that immediate connection because of my interest in fashion, but also because it is non-profit and it is for a good cause. During that time I lost a child, and when this position came up it was about three months after her passing. She had a genetic disorder. We knew that we wouldn’t have her for very long, but we were very fortunate that we had her for 30 days longer than what we thought we would have her. This opportunity honestly came at a time when I sort of needed that interaction. I was held up at home, not really knowing what to do with myself and my grief. So, when this manager position became available, it sort of forced me to get out there and connect with people the way I used to.”

Janice Larios, thrift shop manager

Hometown: Bronx, New York