Thrift stores across Long Island have become unexpected beneficiaries of the economic crisis as more shoppers are turning to secondhand goods.

While big name stores are suffering, many thrift stores are catering to steady streams of holiday shoppers. Denise Tritschler says it pays to get her clothes at the Goodwill store in Patchogue because she can buy kids clothes for much less.

Madelyn Vazquez, manager of the Goodwill store, says much of the stigma attached to shopping at thrift stores has disappeared in the current economic climate.

"We have all types of shoppers,? Vazquez says. ?You know, from middle class people that might not be making a lot of money, to people that do. You have to economize now."

Vazquez says there are definitely good deals to be had, but that donations are way down. Other Long Island thrift shops and charities report having the same problem.