Our Story

A Non-Profit Thrift Store Whose Proceeds Support Alzheimer’s Research.

Guardian Angel Thrift Inc. is a nonprofit organization supporting Alzheimer’s Research, born from an idea of how to raise money for research to help find a cure for this disease. Our founder, Laura Gaddis, saw her mother suffer from Alzheimer’s for 12 years. Nearing the end of her mother’s life, she woke one morning with a plan she quickly put on paper — a non-profit thrift store funding Alzheimer’s research.

She then opened a small 1,400 sq. ft. store in Fuquay-Varina, NC. With the help of her daughter Shari, her sister Martha, and her husband Dave, Guardian Angel Thrift Inc. grew into a large 26,000 sq. ft. store in 4 years. As of 2022, we have four branches across North Carolina. Our main location remains in Fuquay-Varina, along with Little Angel Children’s Thrift and Thriftronix our Electronic Thrift Store. Our fourth location is in Apex, NC.

Thanks to our public support, we have been able to contribute over $3,000,000.00 for Alzheimer’s Research in the state of North Carolina. 80% of our profits after operational expenses go to Alzheimer’s Research.

Month of November is

National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

Click angel below to read the proclamation

from Governor Roy Cooper

Click the photo below, to hear the keynote speaker from our 2024 GAT Spring Luncheon, Dr. Giulia Fragola

Guardian Angel Thrift was created by Ms. Laura and Family to honor their mother, Lina Mae Ferrell Edwards, who bravely battled this illness for twelve years, and father, William Levi, who selflessly cared for her during that time.

Upcoming Events

NCSECC & Guardian Angel Thrift 2024

Starting September 1st and running through

December 31st.

Click image for more information!

Hear Kathleen Welsh-Bohmer address our 25th Anniversary Gala held October 2024. She discusses the importance & firsthand knowledge of Alzheimer’s Research & how Guardian Angel Thrift has been a part of that for 25 years.

Click image below

VOTE FOR GAT

Best of MAIN & Board Maggy Award 2025

Show your love and appreciation for all things Fuquay Varina and Hollysprings!
From your favorite restaurant to dog sitter.

Guardian Angel Thrift fits into 2 categories

Best Resale Shopping

and

Best Nonprofit

HURRY the voting will end 1/15/25

You will go to the Maggy Award Survey when you click the photo below!
THANK YOU! HELP GAT WIN !!