Meet Darwin – The Heart and Hands Behind UVR Thrift Shoppe
If you’ve stepped into UVR Thrift Shoppe, you’ve already seen Darwin (Dar) Lauritzen’s handiwork—whether it’s the beautiful display shelves he built, the carefully curated layout, or the heavy furniture he’s carried in (literally, with a lot of sweat equity!).
While United Voices Rising is his wife Stacy’s mission, the thrift shoppe is his passion project—a way to support her healing journey while helping fund life-changing therapy for survivors of trauma.
A Craftsman at Heart
Dar has always had an eye for potential—whether it was during his years as a tile expert, in his woodworking shop, or now, in the thrift store, where he sees hidden treasures waiting to be repurposed. His attention to detail, craftsmanship, and problem-solving make him the perfect person to turn a simple thrift shop into a thriving space that serves a greater purpose.
More Than Just a Store
For Darwin, this isn’t just about running a business—it’s about community. He loves connecting with people, especially the local Hispanic community, where he can speak Spanish and make customers feel at home. He sees every interaction as an opportunity to share the mission, invite people in, and show that something as simple as thrifting can change lives.
Why He Does It
At the heart of it all, Dar is a husband, a craftsman, and a man who believes in the power of hard work and love. His deep commitment to Stacy and her journey fuels his dedication to making UVR Thrift Shoppe a success—not just as a store, but as a source of healing and hope for survivors.
So next time you visit, take a look at the handmade shelves, the carefully arranged furniture, and the passion behind it all—that’s Darwin’s touch. And if you see him, say hi (or ¡Hola!)—he’ll probably be carrying something heavy, building something new, or dreaming up the next big idea for the shop.