Just Wanna Help: Thrifting Redefined — A Store With Purpose, Not Profit

Written By Just Wanna Help

There are some things in life you just feel called to do.

For me, this store — this space — is one of them.

Just Wanna Help was born from a place of purpose. It wasn’t a business plan or a side hustle. It was a deeply personal dream, years in the making, shaped by the values my mom taught me growing up: find value where others don’t, and always give more than you take.

Now that dream is real. And it lives here, in the heart of Pico Rivera.

A New Kind of Thrift Experience

Let’s get one thing clear: Just Wanna Help is a thrift store — but not the kind you’re used to.

We’ve redefined what it means to shop secondhand. When you walk in, you’ll feel the difference. Clean. Curated. Thoughtful. It’s thrift — but elevated. This is thrifting redefined.

You’ll find hand-selected clothing, home goods, and accessories that reflect both quality and purpose. Because it’s not just about what we sell — it’s about why we do it.

Every inch of this store was built with one mission in mind:
To give back to the community that raised me.

A Mission That Goes Beyond the Rack

Every purchase you make here — and every donation you drop off — helps fund youth programs and local support efforts. A portion of all proceeds is directly reinvested into organizations that uplift and empower the next generation.

That includes schools I know and love personally — like St. John Bosco High School — where my own sons grew up, learned discipline, and started chasing dreams bigger than we ever imagined.

Because yes, this store is part of my story. But it’s also part of theirs.

The Boys Behind the Scenes

I’m the proud mother of two sons — DJ Uiagalelei and Matayo Uiagalelei. Both attended St. John Bosco, where they played football under the guidance of Coach Jason Negro, a mentor who’s made a lasting impact on our family and so many others.

DJ went on to play at Clemson, Oregon State, and Florida State, and now plays in the NFL. Matayo currently plays at the University of Oregon and continues to make me proud.

Their success is a huge part of our family journey. But this store? This is my turn.
Just Wanna Help is how I give back — how I support other families and young people, just like mine once needed.

What You’ll Find at Just Wanna Help

Whether you're shopping for something unique or just visiting to support a cause, we’ve created a space that welcomes everyone — and gives back every step of the way.

When we open our doors later this September, here’s what you can expect:

  • A boutique-style thrift shop that feels clean, modern, and intentional

  • A rotating selection of high-quality clothing, home goods, and finds

  • A portion of every sale going to local youth programs and schools

  • A one-of-a-kind mural on the side of the building — perfect for Instagram moments

  • Events, features, and local collabs that bring the community together

Because Helping Is the Whole Point

The name says it all: Just Wanna Help.

I built this for the people who believe in community, who care about giving back, who want to shop with meaning. Whether you drop off a bag of donations, pick up a gently used jacket, or simply come by to say hello — know this:

You’re part of something bigger now.
You’re helping someone else take a step forward.

And that’s the kind of help this world needs more of.

📍Stay Connected

Just Wanna Help