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MARQUETTE -- The weather outside is frightful, and perhaps your empty wallet has you feeling...spiteful.  But holiday shopping doesn't have to break the bank if you know where to look.

"Well, what we find at a thrift store is you can get a lot of the same merchandise--relatively new in many cases, if not new--for a tremendous discount over what you'll pay at a lot of the major stores," said Ken Boyer, a head cashier at the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store in Marquette.

I found TVs barely out of the box for right around $40.  Skis for 20 bucks.  Ice skates for under five dollars.

"We try to get a fair selection of toys for the kids, toys, games, puzzles, and we bring out new stuff virtually everyday because we go through a fair amount," Boyer said.

And buying the bulk of your gifts at thrift stores may free up the extra cash you need for a bigger gift.

Captain Donna Rose has been working for the Salvation Army for more than 50 years.  From her constant, addictive smile, you can tell she just loves what she does, and she knows what she's talking about.     

"Whatever it is that's on the child's list, check out your thrift store first!" said Captain Donna.

Whether you shop the Salvation Army Thrift Store, St. Vinnie's or any of the others, not only are you getting your holiday gifts for less, but your money-well-spent is helping the organizations help the community.  The money that the Salvation Army brings in goes towards their food pantry and rental and utility assistance for our neighbors. 

And as Captain Donna best puts it:  "It's the giving part that is important.  Not how much it costs and not what it is, but that we give with cheerful hearts."

The Salvation Army says to be on the lookout for a storewide 50 percent off sale sometime before Christmas.