The Purple Cow: Thrifted Living Stores | Mission | Baton Rouge & Denham Springs, LA

Our Mission

Since the founding of our parent organization, The Christian Outreach Center in 1991 our mission has been helping the homeless population toward self-sufficiency in the Baton Rouge area. As a Christ-centered ministry, we take a distinctly Christian approach in how we think about poverty. We pray with and for our clients, and all of our programs are both extremely practical and biblically-based.

Three Convenient Locations!

With three locations, we are sure to have a location near you!

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Community Impact

The spectrum of people we assist spans those currently experiencing homelessness of one kind or another up through those living at or under the poverty line and those who are living above the poverty line but are most at risk of homelessness. 54% of the population of East Baton Rouge Parish is in this category. We are also involved in helping men and women who have been recently released from prison who are most at risk of recidivism. Each year, 1,300 men and women are released in East Baton Rouge Parish with about half of them with a moderate to high risk of returning to prison.

Each item you donate to The Purple Cow makes a difference!

By donating your gently-used items and shopping with us, you make it possible for the Christian Outreach Center of Baton Rouge, our parent organization, to help struggling individuals and households to live more sustainable lives through our services and programs. Plus, The Purple Cow itself is a service to the community by providing the very best gently-used items at the lowest possible prices.

So What’s in a Name?

People always ask us, “Where does the name The Purple Cow come from?” The short answer is that it comes from a business book with the message of being unique and standing out from the herd. Plus, purple is a very Greater Baton Rouge color, and it’s also the color of our parent organization, The Christian Outreach Center of Baton Rouge.

So What Can You Expect?

One trip to The Purple Cow and you’ll see we’re not your typical second-hand store. Sure, you’ll find lots and lots of merchandise: collectables, china, glassware, bedding, drapes, linens, books, small appliances and RACKS of clothing for the entire family.

So What Will You Find?

We see an incredible variety of items in our 15,000 square feet of retail space at our Jones Creek/Tiger Bend and Denham Springs locations, as well as our 12,500 square foot store at our Perkins/Acadian location. In addition, all proceeds stay right here and help people in the Greater Baton Rouge Area.

Have questions?

Feel free to give us a call anytime and one of our friendly staff will be sure to get you the answers you need.

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Stephanie

Wonderful place to shop and find just about anything you may need. They sell what they have often so go often if you enjoy thrifting or are looking for something special. The staff is always so friendly and helpful as well. It's also organized very well.

Vanessa

Great store with a great selection and even better prices! Everything seemed to be under ~$6 and the staff was super nice and friendly. Everything was organized into sections and for the most part by color. It's just a wonderful place to get some nice new outfits on a budget.