"From the Heart" Thrift Shop

The "From the Heart" Thrift Shop is an outreach program operating out of St. John's parish hall. On November 3, 2005 the "From The Heart" Thrift Shop opened its doors for the first time.

The Thrift Shop is, in part, the result of our rummage sales.  It became apparent after 8 years of holding the rummage sales that there was a segment of our local population that needed good clothing at reasonable prices. Our rummage sale helped, but it was a once-a-year event and did not usually offer seasonal clothing.

A few of the women in the church felt that we could possibly open a shop that would be available on a monthly basis and offer gently used, clean, seasonal clothing.  We also felt that we would try to return the proceeds of our monthly sales to local charities.

With the approval of our Rector, Father Ron Pollock and the vestry we began to make our plans.

We always had such wonderful support from our parish family for our rummage sale, donating clothes, helping to sort clothes and helping out the day of the sale, we felt we could make a Thrift Shop work.

Our shop is open the first Thursday of every month (except August) from 11 am. to 6:30 pm.  We set up the day before at 2:30 pm.  We are always looking for volunteers to help us set up.  The shop must be put up on Wednesday and taken down at 6:30 pm on Thursday night.

Since our opening on November 3, 2005, we have donated $23,500 to local charities. 

We could not do this without the help of our parish family, their contributions of lovely, gently used clothing.  The community has also responded as a result of the publicity provided to all the local papers.  We get calls for information on how to donate clothing to the cause.  We are blessed with parishioners who fold and sort and work the day of the sale.  It is a very rewarding feeling to see people with real needs being able to find clothes that they can afford and take pride in.

We welcome anyone who would like to share in this ministry to call the church office for information or call Joanne Polito at (732) 868-0050 or e-mail jozpolito@aol.com

Charities Gifted: