It's almost certainly that they refuse the donations or throw them out when they find them.

Some of the more rural thrift stores still have VHS, one still has cassettes, and I know of a place where there's a stash of 8-track.

Thrift stores are businesses; they stock what sells - but they also have the reality of often having to pay to dispose of electronic waste that was donated - they're not allowed to just dumpster it as in days of yore.

Of course the national thrift store chain machines (Goodwill) have policies for all this stuff - you gotta hit up and get to know the smaller independent stores if you want them to hold stuff for you - which they'll often do.

A VCR and some tapes are great for the kid's playroom - teach them rewind patience on equipment you won't cry much if they destroy.