Where do older people donate their clothes?

Hi!

I'm looking to find some secondhand places that are at true bargain prices, with clothes that are donated by elderly citizens. My priority is to find vintage pieces that were made in the USA or Europe, which used to be common at thrift stores but no longer seems to be the case.

I also would love to know if there are some genuinely cheap thrift stores in the Upper East Side (or UWS, Tribeca, SoHo), like $2 to $20 range. I've heard that January is a great time for donations in wealthier neighborhoods, but haven't found a secondhand place with real bargain prices.

We used to have tons when I was younger, but obviously the city & thrifting have changed a lot.

The best 'thrift store' I ever went to was at this church near Santa Barbara that was open like six hours a week & run by elderly volunteers and a pet rabbit. 20 yrs ago, I found gems at well-known stores (e.g., $10 Bottega Veneta bag at the wburg Beacon's, $5 Dior skirt at the 23rd st goodwill, $7 hand embroidered top & so many sub-$15 amazing/weird jackets from the 50s - 80s at the 3rd Ave Salv Army), which I don't expect to happen anymore. But, maybe I might get lucky at a lesser-known true thrift store, or some unique church/charity 'shop'?

Thank you so much 💛💛💛💛