WAYNESBORO – The New Hope Thrift Shoppe may be one of Waynesboro’s best-kept secrets.
But if Mary Clark and her team of volunteers achieve their goal, it will soon become a better-known shopping experience. With no advertising budget (all proceeds benefit their building partner, the New Hope Shelter), the thrift store usually relies on word of mouth from satisfied customers and support from local charitable organizations.
Since 1998, New Hope Shelter has assisted homeless individuals by helping them transition into housing and easing their return to normal living conditions. The shelter offers food and temporary lodging to men, women and children in Franklin, Fulton and Adams Counties.
Mary Clark has managed New Hope Thrift Shoppe for five years and built a team of loyal volunteers.
“They are the backbone of our organization,” Clark said. “We can’t survive without them.” Clark retired from the retail industry, where she once owned an art gallery and also performed charity work in Africa. The joy this current enterprise brings her by helping others is evident in her kind manner and easy smile.
“It’s hard work,” she said, “but I’m grateful for all our volunteers, donors, and shoppers.” Clark mentioned she is continuously honing her team, working toward having a dozen members who will act out specific roles within the store. She relies on her trusted assistant, Mary Figueroa.
Keeping the store operating and moving forward is a formidable undertaking. The space encompasses 7,000 square feet at the rear of 25 South Potomac St. The thrift store faces the Rotary Parking Lot and offers free and plentiful parking. Another simple reference for locating the store is that it is behind the Waynesboro Fire Department.
When Clark became manager here, she wanted to organize the space better and improve the flow for shoppers. She accomplished that goal as the store is brightly lit, clean, orderly and professionally merchandised. With handicapped access and everything on one level, the store is navigated easily.
New Hope’s initial focus was clothing, but it has since expanded to include many unique items. “It’s a joy to see someone acquire something they need and love,” Clark said.
With donations arriving daily, New Hope Thrift Shoppe consistently offers new furniture, housewares, books, toys, jewelry, collectibles and, of course, clothing. All items are reasonably priced and offer shoppers not only bargains (shirts are $2 and pants are $3) but also the thrill of discovery.
Clark described a recent gift from a retired couple who were downsizing, and they donated the entire contents of their home, which included some first-class furniture. Clark said those pieces found good homes after they came into the thrift store, thanks to that couple’s generosity.
Often, the shop carries blown glass pieces and finely crafted jewelry, all priced to sell quickly. Two recent unique items include a 1910 Singer “Red Eye” sewing machine housed in a wooden cabinet and a hand-signed Fenton log cabin electric hurricane lamp.
Donations are the key ingredient in keeping the store stocked, which ultimately raises money for the shelter. People can donate items of any kind, including non-perishable food and personal care products. New Hope recently organized a Community Room where people in need receive free food and other necessary daily living items. The thrift store also accepts cash donations, which will directly benefit their mission. They hope to refurbish the concrete floor soon to make the space even more attractive.
Clark and her volunteers keep the shopping experience exciting with special events. On July 26 from 10 am to 2 pm, they will host their annual “Christmas in July.” Special items will be available, with reduced prices on Christmas décor. The festive event will include food and drinks and a visit from Santa, who will remind everyone that the holidays are only a few months away.
For more information, readers may call 717-762-5840 Ext. 207. The store is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the second and fourth Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
New Hope Thrift Shoppe is a vital community resource, contributing to the New Hope Shelter with every sale it makes, and it provides consumers with an enjoyable and affordable place to shop. The store also offers pickup for larger donated items and delivery (for a fee) to anyone who purchases pieces such as furniture.
As New Hope leadership continues to upgrade the retail store, they are thankful for the ongoing community support and are poised to return that generosity to savvy customers who venture out to discover this hidden Waynesboro shopping venue.
