For the Journal

POCATELLO - Linda Macarty, manager at the local Goodwill thrift store, noticed sales shot up dramatically at the beginning of November. She said they've remained strong ever since.

Goodwill stocks some new merchandise, but Macarty said it's the used items that seem to be in highest demand lately.

Not all local businesses and charitable organizations have been hurt by the declining economy. Local discount stores and charities that ask residents to give more of themselves than of their pocketbooks report times have never been better.

Since Christmas, clothing donations have doubled at Goodwill. But Macarty noted the store has seen a sharp decline in housewares, furniture and home décor donations.

Based on the shift in donations, Macarty believes people in the area received more clothing for Christmas than luxurious or recreational gifts.

An employee at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul's thrift store has also noticed a lot of new faces since early November, as well as an increase in clothing donations.

Business has also been strong at area dollar stores, such as Honk's 1 Dollar Store, 720 Yellowstone Ave.

A Honk's manager said her store's weekly 88 cents sale, during which most items are sold for just 88 cents, has drawn especially large crowds.

At the local Red Cross blood bank, officials have noticed a recent increase in walk-in donations.

Jane Stutzman, with the blood bank, believes people are increasingly seeking ways to "give back to the community without it costing them any money."

As money becomes tighter, local auto parts stores have noticed more people are performing their own auto maintenance and repairs. An employee at AutoZone, 780 Yellowstone Ave., also noted many customers are keeping older cars longer than they did before.

Matt Hunter, the executive director of the Greater Pocatello Chamber of Commerce, encourages those who remain employed to follow the same spending habits as they did before the economic frights.

Hunter said that families who usually go out to eat on Friday night, or catch a movie on Saturday afternoon should continue to do so because those spending activities are driving forces in local economies.