As the holidays approach, "gently used'' is the route savvy shoppers are taking to go gently on the stress and the wallet.

Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania has several stores here, including those in Whitehall, Banksville, South Side, Peters and Belle Vernon.

In addition to the usual donations of clothing and household items, this time of year all holiday decorations are big sellers.

"We try to make as many holiday items available based on donations received from the public," said David Tobiczyk, vice president of marketing..

"With the economic downturn we are seeing many new faces," he said. "People of all incomes shop here now, whether they are looking for antiques, unique finds or just good prices."

To make decorating a little lighter on the wallet, the members of the Schoolhouse Arts Center, 2600 South Park Road in Bethel Park, will hold its Gently Used Holiday Decoration sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

"This is a nice way to get our membership together, let the public have an opportunity to participate [by reserving a table for $5 and selling items], increase our awareness in the community and to help people out during these economic times," said Cathy Snyder of the group.

The Schoolhouse gift shop features handcrafted items made by members, including jewelry, woodworking, paintings, handmade knitted and crocheted pieces.

"Because they are handmade and not going through a big store, not only are they high quality, but also reasonably priced," Ms. Snyder said.

The gift shop is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

The Society of St. Vincent DePaul recently opened its newest store at 3423 Library Road in Castle Shannon.

"By shopping in our stores, you are recycling and supporting the programs we offer and you get a good bargain," said Fred Just, executive director. "Despite the recession, people still continue to give donations and we are thankful."

These stores offer gently used clothing and household goods.

"Everything donated is used. If it's not sold within three weeks, it's packaged and sent to a Third World country. The money from the stores goes back into our programs. You get something for yourself and you give back to the community," Mr. Just said.

There is also a growing number of resale or consignment stores around the South Hills. Here are a few to check out:

• Glad Raggs Boutique, a ladies and men's clothing consignment at 1395 McLaughlin Run Road in Upper St. Clair, for the second year will have a holiday shop set up in its store starting tomorrow.

"Sometimes we get brand new boxes of ornaments that people don't want," said owner Kathy Philson. "I would say there are more people than ever wanting to sell their things and make a buck. Over the last few years, there's been a big push for resale. It's politically correct to recycle -- to get more use out of something than have it just sit in your closet."

Glad Raggs also has formal wear for the holidays, sparkle jewelry and handbags.

"We try to separate items that are still wrapped with price tags on them for the holidays as well. It's the ultimate re-gifting," she said.

• In the same building, Pennystix consignment store for children's clothing and accessories has a holiday room for the third year.

"In that room, clothing racks have only holiday items, dresses for girls, holiday-theme sweaters, dressy shoes. There are so many beautiful dresses that are priced even as low as $10," owner Kathy Carilli said.

She's watched consignment shopping come a long way over the years.

"It's the educated way to shop and it doesn't have to be only when times are tough. I've been doing this for 25 years and it used to be taboo to be seen in a consignment store years ago. Today it's the opposite; people come in and say 'isn't this store great?' "

• A trio of stores at 522 Valley Brook Road in Peters, occupy one building. They are It's New to Me, featuring furniture and housewares; 2nd Time Out, which offers sporting goods and equipment and Vintage to Vogue, a clothing and accessories store specializing in designer labels, said owner Cindy Rutherford.

At Vintage to Vogue, the high fashion accessories are new. The clothing is gently used, and the store has a gently used formal wear room as well.

Karen Hunter, owner of 2nd Time Out, said her store has a variety of sporting goods from high- to low-end fitness equipment, bicycles, lacrosse equipment, golf clubs, weight-lifting equipment, hockey and foosball tables.

"Everybody who comes in loves this store and says there's a need for it, especially for kids who might start a sport, not like it and then have equipment to sell."

During the holidays, "dining room sets are huge," said Elaine Fitzgerald, owner of It's New to Me. As Thanksgiving approaches, sets of china are big sellers as well, she said.

For those families hit hardest by the economic downturn, there are resources available to help.

• South Hills Interfaith Ministries, a nonprofit social services agency, deals with suburban poverty.

"It's a different kind of poverty, a quiet poverty," said Jim Guffey, executive director.

Services provided by SHIM, 5301 Park Ave., Bethel Park, include a food pantry, clothing room and Dollar Energy Fund application.

"Usually during the holiday times, those who have been fortunate throughout the year return that fortune. It's what happens during January and February when the weather is colder, bills come in and we see a rise in need and a decline in support. Over the last two years, our numbers are up 200 to 300 percent. Hopefully we will start climbing out of this recession, based on recent economic indicators, but it's going to take a while," Mr. Guffey said.

For those eligible, SHIM has a program called the Angel Emporium in which all family members receive holiday gifts. Children pick out gifts for the adults and parents choose gifts for their children.

"Regardless of the holiday you are celebrating, it's not just about getting, it's about giving as well."

For more on SHIM, call 412-854-9120 or visit www.shim-center.org.

• Brookline Boulevard United Presbyterian Church, 1036 Brookline Blvd., offers a recycled clothing room called Begin Again, a free resource where families can "shop" for clothing, shoes and some household goods at no charge.

The room is open the second Saturday of each month in conjunction with the Brookline Christian Food Pantry, an agency of the Greater Pittsburgh Area Food Bank housed in the church and administered by volunteers from local churches.

You don't have to be a food bank recipient to shop in the clothing room.

"People have responded in such an incredible way. It's a wonderful blessing," Pastor Marsha Sebastian said.

For information, call the church at 412-531-0590. For more on the food pantry, or to volunteer, call 412-344-8451.

The church will hold a community Children's Christmas service and pageant at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 15. Any child can come, receive a costume and participate in the pageant.

Afterward, the children can visit the Magi Shop in the church and select a gift for their parent or guardian. The gifts are donated by other churches, and volunteers will even wrap them.

Remember to each week check our Southscape, online and often in print, for nonprofit sales that will help your wallet -- and help a good cause.

• Read about the Sisters of St. Francis of the Providence of God's Christmas craft sale this weekend, Page S-5.

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