Designer handbags, unique clothing pieces and vintage artwork fill Treasure Paws, but behind the thrift store’s unique inventory is a mission bigger than shopping: helping rescued dogs and other animals get a second chance.
Located in Burlingame, Treasurer Paws combines community thrifting with animal advocacy by donating 10% of every purchase to the Peninsula Humane Society and SPCA’s HOPE Program, which helps provide medical care and support for vulnerable rescue animals. Through donations, volunteers, and shoppers, the non-profit thrift has transformed everyday purchases into support for pets in need.
Formerly known as Pick of the Litter, the store was reimagined in March 2025 by co-founders Oliver Jolis and Benjamin Lambright, who hoped to expand the store’s impact beyond traditional thrifting. Jolis, who has helped launch and manage non-profit thrift stores supporting animal rescue organizations across several states, said the goal is to create something larger than just a resale shop.
Jolis said many people want to support animal welfare organizations but may not always be able to donate financially. Treasure Paws gives community members another way to help, however they can.
“A lot of people want to support the animals, but they can’t write a check for $1,000,” Jolis said. “But they’ve got tons of clothes they’re not wearing, or they’ve got kitchen stuff they’re not using, and they just need to get rid of stuff.”
The store accepts donated clothing, furniture, artwork, accessories, and household items, then sells carefully sorted pieces in-store to raise money for the HOPE Program. Since becoming Treasure Paws, the organization has raised more than $110,000 for the program.
Jolis said the has had some unexpected finds, including rare items donated from around the world. She said one donation included a handcrafted leather bag made by a small fourth-generation family business in Sweden, showing that there are many fun treasures you can get your paws on in the store.
“The stuff that comes through day to day is mind-boggling,” Jolis said.
Still, Jolis said the store’s biggest impact goes beyond thrift finds and shopping trends. The money raised through purchases helps animals receive medical treatment and specialized care through the HOPE Program.
“These are animals that needed medical intervention, but because of the money that we’re able to raise, they were able to have a second chance,” Jolis said.
The store also encourages community involvement through volunteer opportunities, student discounts, and fundraising initiatives. Treasure Paws recently launched a student discount program that gives students with a valid school ID an additional 25% off on their purchases. Jolis said the program was created to connect with younger shoppers and make thrifting more accessible to students. The store also hosts initiatives such as its monthly “Purses Saving Pets” giveaway, which lets shoppers enter raffles for designer handbags while supporting the store’s mission to help rescue animals.
At Treasure Paws, donated items become more than secondhand goods. Through every purchase, donation, and volunteer hour, the store continues turning community support into second chances for animals in need.
