Quietly tucked away in historic downtown, the St. James Thrift Shop continues to speak volumes with its generosity.
For 40 years, the store has extended a helping hand to those greatly in need – either providing clothes vouchers for families or paying someone’s overdue electric bill.
“I’m excited about being a part of it,” said Dallas Shannon, volunteer and outreach director for St. James Episcopal Church, which operates the thrift shop. “Whether you’re involved in your church or not, it’s vital to what’s going on in Kent.”
The purpose of the store is just as important, the need just as great, if not greater today than it was in September 1975 when church leaders took a $200 loan from the vestry and rented a small space at 222 W. Meeker St.
A small volunteer force soon began to collect donations and consignments from church members and the community, and the thrift shop opened for business that November. The staff worked diligently, the loan was repaid by January and the store turned a $2,400 profit that first year, which was distributed back into the community.
Since then, the thrift store has survived tough economic times, two moves and the fear of closure.
It celebrates its 40th anniversary Sept. 12 with an open house from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at its home for the past eight years, 314 W. Meeker St.
According to Sue Jones, a longtime volunteer, the thrift shop has donated more than $20,000 in clothing and household goods vouchers to needy families in the past 10 years. She estimates the store has donated $1 million to many community organizations, causes and outreach programs since its inception 40 years ago.
The church remains committed to operating the nonprofit thrift store because of the money it generates, the purpose it serves and the treasures it recycles.
“It’s busier. The need is greater,” said Lexie McShane, a third-generation volunteer at the store. “Donations are not always the best … but they are important. … People need us more.”
Shannon said his church sees about 20-30 needy families each week. For those it can’t help, the parish works with other churches in the community.
“If all the faith-based churches closed up one day and didn’t work in the community, it would be like a vacuum,” Shannon added.
While the thrift store is doing fine monetarily, it needs volunteers. Many of its unpaid staff who stock and maintain the store have turned 70. Finding younger, willing souls who can put in a few hours each week has been a challenge.
A majority of the volunteers come from St. James, some from other churches.
“It’s not a bad gig. You come down here and you get to know people,” Shannon said, “We’re church people, but we’re not pushy. We’re all here for the right cause.”
Donations and volunteers are always welcome.
To learn more or to help, call 253-854-5165 or visit stjameskent.org/service/thrift-shop.
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