Our Story

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

Guardian Angel Thrift Inc. is a North Carolina–based nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing Alzheimer’s research and support while also creating meaningful employment opportunities within the community. The organization was founded on a simple but powerful idea: create a sustainable way to raise funds to help find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.

Founder Laura Gaddis was inspired by her personal experience caring for her mother, who lived with Alzheimer’s disease for 12 years. Near the end of her mother’s life, Laura awoke one morning with a clear vision and quickly put her idea on paper — a nonprofit thrift store whose proceeds would directly support Alzheimer’s research.

With that vision, Laura opened the first Guardian Angel Thrift store in a modest 1,400-square-foot space in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina. With the support of her daughter Shari, her sister Martha, and her husband Dave, the organization experienced remarkable growth. Within four years, the original store expanded into a 26,000-square-foot operation.

Today, Guardian Angel Thrift has grown into a network of four locations across North Carolina. The flagship location remains in Fuquay-Varina and includes Little Angel Children’s Thrift and Thriftronix, a specialty electronics thrift store. The organization’s fourth location operates in Apex, North Carolina.

In addition to funding Alzheimer’s research and support, Guardian Angel Thrift is deeply committed to creating meaningful employment opportunities for older adults and individuals who may face barriers to traditional employment. Through its four retail locations, the organization currently employs 45 paid staff members, many of whom benefit from a supportive work environment that values experience, purpose, and community connection.

Thanks to the generous support of donors, shoppers, and volunteers, Guardian Angel Thrift has contributed more than $3.5 million to Alzheimer’s research throughout North Carolina. In alignment with its mission, 65% of profits, after operational expenses, are directed to Alzheimer’s research, helping fund critical work aimed at better understanding, treating, and ultimately curing this devastating disease.

Through its commitment to both advancing scientific research and support, and strengthening the community through employment, Guardian Angel Thrift continues to honor the vision that inspired its founding.