10/28/2026
We’ve learned a lot since we started almost two years ago, but honestly, we are still figuring things out as we go. We are growing enough that I think it’s time to share again a little about who we are and how we started. So here we go!
When my kids were little, I shopped at the original Loop here in Middlebury. It was a consignment store that made it possible to afford really nice name brand things.
Later, I spent seven years as a manager at The Depot in Goshen, a pretty large nonprofit thrift store. That’s where I learned what goes into running a donation based thrift shop. Between those two experiences, I started thinking about what it would look like to put the best of both together and do something a little different.
I started sharing my thrift shop dream on my personal page. I wanted other families in Middlebury to have the same opportunity I had when my kids were little. To find really nice things at prices they could afford.
We didn’t have a building or a lease. It started with a lot of prayer. A very supportive husband named Rob, and friends and family who believed in us. Donations started coming in before we even had a storefront. I was blown away by the support and encouragement, and I still am. ❤️
While Middlebury has had consignment stores before, as far as I know we’ve never had a donation based thrift shop. I knew I didn’t want to run a nonprofit either. I wanted the freedom to make decisions, try new things, and help when needs arise.
So The Loop became a family owned, donation based thrift shop. We’re not a fundraiser for any one organization. We’ve found that one of our strong suits is helping as situations arise. Whether that means partnering with local organizations, helping families after house fires, supporting missionaries, or working with local police or those facing domestic violence situations, we never quite know what the next need will be. And now we’re growing enough to provide local jobs, too.
So how does The Loop work?
Our inventory is donated, but we’re a small business. Your donations help us offer good secondhand items at affordable prices. Your purchases help keep the doors open, pay our expenses, and make the rest possible.
We’ve also learned just how much quality matters. Our customers want things they can use, wear, enjoy, and feel good about taking home. Some of the people we help don’t even have access to a washer and dryer, so it’s especially important that things come to us clean and ready to use.
That’s why we’re becoming more selective about donations. Our porch is closed to general drop-offs, but we are still accepting things on a case by case basis. If you’re familiar with The Loop and have something you think would be a good fit, feel free to reach out at 574-202-5807.
We’re also finding new ways to bring The Loop to you through Facebook sales, furniture, porch pickup, a 30 day hold, and even a pickup location in Topeka. We know not everyone can make it to Middlebury during our shopping hours, so we’re working on making it easier to shop The Loop even when you can’t make it into the store.
Through all the changes, our goal is still the same. Secondhand doesn’t have to feel second best. So we work hard to make The Loop a place where people really look forward to visiting.
A little different, on purpose. ❤️
The Loop Thrift Shop
📍 304 W Lawrence St, Middlebury, IN
🛍️ Wed–Fri 11–5 | Sat 10–2
🚪 Closed Sun–Tue for resetting and restocking
📱 Call or text 574-202-5807
