In the backroom of an Upland secondhand store, Ethel Williams sits in an armchair amid boxes of clothing waiting to be sorted. She points to a ring on her finger - the most expensive jewelry she owns.
"It was found in a parking lot," Williams said. "My son gave it to me. It means more to me than if he had gone out and spent $4,000 on a ring."
Williams wouldn't spend $4,000 if she could. She doesn't frequent the mall or department stores. Most of her clothing is purchased at the Helping Hand, the local secondhand store, where she works as store manager.
"This is my main store," Williams said. "If I can buy an item here that is going to fulfill my need, I'll do that rather than go to a retail store and spend more money."
The merchandise in the store speaks of the recent winter restock. Sweaters are piled on a bookshelf, scarves dangle near the kitchenware. A faded Taylor sweatshirt hangs on a rack in the back.
Located on Railroad Street in Upland, Helping Hand assists families with financial difficulties. The store accepts clothing, food and monetary donations, as well as household items and toys. Proceeds are used to run a food pantry, bread distribution, a furniture assistance program and a financial assistance program.
Williams spends 20-30 hours a week restocking shelves, sorting donations and assisting customers. She does not view her role as work, though. Seeing the impact of the Helping Hand is what keeps Williams coming back each week.
"It's a family," Williams said. "People come for the fellowship and the companionship we try to give and show to them."
For Williams, using her resources wisely is not only a method of sustainability, but it is how she serves her neighbors. Helping Hand and other secondhand stores in the area fill a Grant County need. Without these stores, many families would be living hand-to-mouth, Williams said.
After witnessing the loss of a family whose house caught on fire, Williams was moved to evaluate how she used her resources.
"I've seen so many tragedies of families losing their homes and everything in them," Williams said. "It made me really take a look at what I have."
Although shopping at secondhand stores saves money and helps struggling families, Williams finds she is swimming against the current in a consumer society.
According to "The Good Closet" author Elizabeth Cline's blog "The History of Cheap Dress," Americans buy approximately 60 new pieces of clothing and spend $375 billion on clothing each year.
"If we went back to the simple things, we'd find we've been wasting a lot of time, energy and money," Williams said. "It's a matter of learning to recycle, but it's also a matter of learning to give. To think of others rather than just yourself."
Williams notices the effects of consumerism on Taylor students, as well. She has seen usable items - from computers to half-full detergent bottles - end up in the dumpster. Helping Hand is a few blocks from Taylor, but it seems many students don't know the store exists.
"I've seen a decline in the last few years of actual shoppers from the campus," Williams said. "But as far as donations, that has been on the upsweep, and it's been wonderful to see."
Although donations are on the rise, Helping Hand is challenged by the need for volunteers and space. They hope to purchase the other half of the building they use.
Sports teams and other groups often volunteer for a weekend at Helping Hand, but the store needs more assistance with weekly sorting and shelving.
"Taylor has been a big, big plus for us," Williams said.
Williams is not concerned with having the best, but with giving her best to the people around her. In her role at Helping Hand, she has learned to treasure the gift of living simply.
"If it's something I need, God will provide it, and if it's something I don't need, I'll survive without it," Williams said. "I don't live a fancy life, and I'm very happy."
