Father Joe's Villages Thrift Store & Donation Center - El Cajon, California

John R. (. R.

If you like paying full price for thrift store finds, this is a great place.

It has the charm of a hidden Gem, but a lot of downsides. Great clothing selections, huge glassware area, and nice employees.
The employees are the only reason why it gets 2 stars instead of one.

Down sides. 1st off location, the 2-way street for no reason has a divider, so if you miss the very small entrance and parking lot, you have to loop around. Parking is also difficult as the lot is small and somehow full despite onky a few patrons.

Inside, you can find great items marked at prices you might see at Ross or even Target. Full or near full prices for used donated items from an unknown source made me really dislike the experience.

They also offer lock up some things some one thought were valuable, like a small bag of miscellaneous Legos,

The bad location of seemingly run down businesses around them, bad parking, bad street design, and high prices means I would not want to return even for deals.

Maybe you will have better luck or deals than I did, it's a no go for me though.

Mary K.

Sadly we encountered rude staff. It’s the holidays and we wanted to donate non-perishable food during their operating hours and we were turned away. The experience could’ve been handled better by their team.

julia R.

Good selections, however, check prices. Some of the stuff they are selling is outrageously priced. Would recommend coming here to get a good deal

Megan M.

Extremely OVERPRICED. I saw a review that said they were reasonably priced, and that's so wrong. I took a few pictures just to show...I mean, one pair of *used* underwear is $1.99?!? I couldn't find anything that was reasonably priced for a thrift store. I will say it was well organized and clean-ish. So if there's something you're looking for specifically, you'll be able to find it easily here...but expect to pay a chunk for it.

Sqwerlgirl

Great selection of gently used items. Prices here are some of the best thrift store prices I've seen. Store was very organized and had a lot of low cost furniture options. Items go to those in need, or are sold and money donated to help Father Joe's shelters.

john L.

Inventory is meh but thats expected of lower tier thrifts like this. What isnt is the outrageously high prices. Whoever runs this place is sniffing glue. $1200 for a beat up 30 year old recumbant bike. Just sheer greed. Everything else almost twice what other stores get. Since its also off the beaten path complete waste of time for me. YMMV.

Branndi E.

You try to donate with them but they refuse your phone calls or act like they don't have any employees. I would never donate to them ever

kristian G.

They will sure take your donations and they will sure take your money but once you buy a piece of furniture they will not I repeat they will not help you load it!!!. And they are crazy they have bumped up their prices on all of their second hand items... And horrible customer service..ignore this place at all costs. There's more thrift stores in the county.