Thrift shop raises $50K for nonprofits

Over 43 years, shop has raised and donated $898,000

PHOENIXVILLE » The all-volunteer staffed Thrift Shop of Phoenixville Hospital recently raised $50,000 to donate to local organizations.

It is “one of the top” amounts raised since the thrift store was launched in 1975, according to Director of Volunteer Services Pam Leiby.

Every year since its inception, the revenue that the thrift store collected through clothing has been donated, Leiby said. And over the last 43 years, a total of $896,000 has been raised.

Initially, the money was donated directly to Phoenixville Hospital.

“About ten years ago, they switched to supporting local organizations,” Leiby said.

She explained that because all of the thrift store’s workers are on a volunteer-basis, there are no salaries that need to be taken out of the proceeds of the store. In addition, the thrift shop’s rent and utilities are covered by Phoenixville Hospital.

A breakfast was held recently “to celebrate the success of the Thrift Shop,” and to let the selected organizations and board members meet, Leiby said. The recipients of the this year’s awards, members of the thrift shop, the thrift shop board members, and hospital senior management were in attendance.

As part of the breakfast, Janet

Reading, Thrift Shop president, presented donations to the following organizations:

• Ann’s Heart (Code Blue Ministry)

• Baby’s Breath

• Phoenixville Hospital Cancer Center

• Community Health Education & Outreach

• Healthcare Access Program • Mom’s House • Orion Communities • Phoenixville Area Community Services

• Phoenixville Community Health Foundation

• Phoenixville Women’s Outreach – The House

• Senior Adult Activity Center

• St. Mary’s Franciscan Shelter • The Clinic • The Daniel Foundation The Phoenixville Hospital Cancer Center has been a donation recipient since the store was founded.

“That really was their focus,” Leiby said. “They even at one point purchased a van for patient transportation.”

The thrift shop, at 238 Church Street in Phoenixville, is always looking for donations, as it keeps getting “bigger and bigger,” according to Leiby. The store sells clothing, jewelry, accessories, toys, housewares and small furniture.

“They accept donated goods that are in great condition,” Leiby said.

And the community, she said, seems to enjoy the store.

“When they put their new things out every Monday morning, Monday afternoon it’s swamped,” Leiby said. “Everyone wants the new stuff.”

The Thrift Shop of Phoenixville Hospital is open Monday through Friday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

SUBMITTED PHOTO The Thrift Store of Phoenixville Hospital has donated $50,000 raised during the past year to several local charities, and thrift shop board members and hospital leadership team members recently met with representatives of the beneficiaries at a breakfast.