Did you know that Deseret Industries was established 85 years ago? When DI was started in 1938, the United States was reaching the end of the Great Depression. Heber J. Grant (the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the time) and Harold B. Lee (then the managing director of the Church’s welfare program) envisioned Deseret Industries as a way to help people still dealing with high unemployment rates and other economic challenges. 

At the opening of the first Deseret Industries store, Elder John. A Widstoe established four guiding purposes for this new program: 

While Deseret Industries has changed a lot since its beginnings in 1938, one thing that hasn’t changed is the commitment to these four guiding principles. Here’s how these principles have shaped Deseret Industries into the organization it is today. 

The first guiding principle of DI, as Elder Widstoe said it, is:

“First, those who have will be given another type of opportunity to help those who have not.”¹

Service—and particularly donating—has always been an important part of DI. In the early days of DI, community members could call their local DI and schedule a pick-up of items to donate. DI also set up donation stands and trailers, where those who wished to donate could drop off their used furniture, clothing, and other items.

While we no longer make house calls to pick up donations, Deseret Industries still relies heavily on “those who have” helping “those who have not.” Community members are welcome to drop off donations at Deseret Industries locations during regular donation hours.

Individuals are also welcome to serve by volunteering their time at their local DI stores. Volunteers can help sort donations, restock shelves, and more. These volunteers not only provide meaningful help, but also build connections and share their expertise with store associates.

The second principle laid out by Elder Widstoe is:

“Second, waste will be reduced by keeping our possessions in use as long as possible.”¹

Keeping possessions in use for as long as possible helps to keep items in good condition out of landfills, where they could potentially cause harm to the community and its ecosystem.

While selling items in good condition at a low cost to help people in the community has always been Deseret Industries’ practice, DI has also found other ways to keep items in use and reduce waste.

Did you know, for instance, that in the early days of DI, we had a sewing department and a reupholstery department? If clothing, furniture, or other donated items needed to be repaired, DI employees in these departments would work to restore these items to a state where they were fit to be sold. DI even operated a rug factory, which produced rugs and blankets using donated wool sweaters.

Another guiding principle from Elder Widstoe is:

“Third, the work of renovation will employ many now unemployed.”¹

After the employment crisis of the Great Depression, Deseret Industries was largely concerned with providing employment. Even in the early days of DI, workers were encouraged to improve and expand their skills so they could find regular employment and become self-sufficient.

Today, employment and job training is still a fundamental part of Deseret Industries. We seek to help anyone struggling with barriers to employment. Examples include those who lack employable skills, individuals struggling with mental health challenges, and those with criminal records or histories of addiction.

In addition to providing jobs, we have also expanded access to training opportunities for our associates. Nowadays, associates get personalized job coaching, career development counseling, English classes, and paid training courses. Associates can get financial help with other education and training opportunities, too. 

Though the times have changed, our commitment to “help others help themselves” is still going strong!

Finally, Elder Widstoe’s fourth guiding principle for Deseret Industries was that:

“Articles in common use, of good quality, will be available at a low cost.”¹

Providing commonly needed items at a low cost helps the community, particularly those in need. In addition to providing donated items that are already in good condition, DI has also worked to provide newer items. In the early days of DI, this took the form of new rugs and blankets, as well as refurbished furniture and clothing—all of which was available to the community at a low cost.

During DI’s 85 years of operation, we have stayed committed to our four guiding principles of serving those in need, reducing waste, providing employment, and providing low-cost items to the community.

Another thing that hasn’t changed in those 85 years is our gratitude for all those who share their time, donations, and enthusiasm with us. Because of shoppers and community members who generously share their used items, we are able to provide job training that changes people’s lives. We couldn’t do it without you!

1. "Editorial: Deseret Industries," Improvement Era, Sept. 1938, 544