Ribbon Cutting Held for Pawsitively Thrifty Knoxville Store

New thrift shop aims to support local animal shelter through sales.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 3:00pm

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A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Wednesday for the opening of Pawsitively Thrifty, a new thrift store in Knoxville, Iowa. The store's proceeds will financially support the Marion County Humane Society, which has struggled with rising costs and the closure of other shelters in the state.

Why it matters

With many animal shelters facing financial difficulties and even shutting down, the opening of Pawsitively Thrifty provides a unique way for the local community to support the Marion County Humane Society and ensure it can remain operational.

The details

Pawsitively Thrifty officially opened in December and is located at 202 E Washington St., the former site of Pierschbacher Funeral Home. The thrift store is open Tuesday through Saturday and accepts donations, which can be dropped off at the side door. The store was purchased by Marion County Humane Society President Leslie Vanderlinden and her husband Brad as a way to help offset the shelter's rising costs.

  • Pawsitively Thrifty officially opened in December 2025.
  • The ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Wednesday, March 12, 2026.

The players

Pawsitively Thrifty

A new thrift store in Knoxville, Iowa, whose proceeds financially support the Marion County Humane Society.

Marion County Humane Society

A local animal shelter that has struggled with rising costs and the closure of other shelters in the state.

Leslie Vanderlinden

The president of the Marion County Humane Society, who purchased the building that houses Pawsitively Thrifty with her husband Brad.

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What they’re saying

“We're happy and lucky to have such great community support for our store. We have a lot of variety and pretty much constant donations from the public which we greatly appreciate. It's really helping the humane society keep the doors open and work toward funding new kennels, a new van and some other things we really need out at the shelter.”

— Leslie Vanderlinden, President, Marion County Humane Society

What’s next

Those interested in volunteering at the humane society or thrift store can find volunteer forms at either location.

The takeaway

The opening of Pawsitively Thrifty demonstrates the power of community-driven initiatives to support local animal shelters and ensure they can continue to provide vital services, even in the face of broader challenges facing the industry.