Raleigh, N.C. — Although he was on vacation, Tony Freddoso still found time to visit the Goodwill in Raleigh because he loves the deals.

“I walked in and I got these two bulbs- two bulbs for a buck. This is a steal, really,” he said.

Freddoso, who is from Florida, brought his niece, Heather, to the store to look for back-to-school clothes. It was her first trip to the Goodwill.

“A lot of people donate clothes that are worth a lot of money,” Freddoso said. “For 10 cents on the dollar, you can buy some good, quality clothes here.”

In addition to the regular deals at Goodwill, shoppers can take advantage of the state sales tax holiday from midnight Friday until 11:59 p.m. Sunday.

Goodwill participates in the annual sale just like other retailers.

Becky Lytle, of Goodwill Industries of Eastern North Carolina, said high-end, designer clothes are on the racks at local Goodwill stores and finding them is part of the fun.

“For many people, that's exactly why they love coming in here. It's like a treasure hunt, and people will come in here with some great finds,” she said.

Goodwill also offers furniture, kitchen appliances and TVs at a large discount.

“You can come in here and get a lot of good things for a fraction of the cost you'll pay at the department store,” Lytle said.

Proceeds from Goodwill sales go to fund local job training and education programs, including many that help disabled adults.

Tax-deductible donations of gently used items can be made to local Goodwill stores.

WRAL's Smart Shopper Faye Prosser will appear on WRAL News at 5 p.m. Thursday to look at other places you can uncover real deals to coincide with the state sales tax weekend.