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Saint Matthew's Thrift Shop
What the Thrift Shop's All AboutThe Thrift Shop is a major Outreach Program of the Parish of Saint Matthew, with annual grants to charitable organizations in many thousands of dollars. The purpose of the Thrift Shop is to reach out with compassion, caring and assistance to those in need, at the Shop and in the larger community. All merchandise is donated by parishioners, friends and neighbors. All the staffing is done by volunteers. We're a source of low-cost clothing and other merchandise such as household necessities to the many needy families who make up most of our customers. We're a haven for collectors as well. To our less fortunate neighbors, we're a caring, compassionate resource. None of our profits are used to support the Parish of Saint Matthew. Revenue generated from sales is used in cooperation with a wide range of community services to provide assistance for the needy. Disbursal of all profits is in the form of grants to various agencies which apply for assistance. To the approximately 50 men and women volunteering their time at the shop, we offer an opportunity for caring people to make a contribution in many areas of need. For parishioner volunteers, the rewards are both immediate and enduring. Immediate rewards are experienced through direct contact with our customers. Enduring rewards come from knowing the profits go to so many in need. A Little Thrift Shop HistoryOne quiet day in August of 1957, at the home of Mrs. Norma Briggs, Saint Matthew's Thrift Shop was born. The original purpose was to raise money for the treasury of the Women's Auxiliary of Saint Matthew's. The Shop was open four hours a day, five days a week. That was 1957. And rent was cheap. Over the years, the Main Street area of Santa Monica evolved from a sleepy side street into a chic avenue of first-rate restaurants and trendy shops, and with that transformation came an enormous increase in rental costs. Today the Thrift Shop operates under the direction of a Board of Directors which was established to guide the day-to-day operation and disburse the profits. The Board is comprised of 12 Parish members and operates under the aegis of Saint Matthew's Outreach Commission. Parishioners who make up our team of approximately 50 rotating volunteer staff members are essential to our successful operation. How You Can Help
If you can donate a minimum of four hours a month working at the Thrift Shop, we'd love to talk to you. We're flexible. Contact the Parish Office at 310/454-1358 for more information. It will change your life! To quote one of our Thrift Shop workers' favorite mottos:
The Saint Matthew's Thrift Shop BeatitudesBlessed are those who have stood face to face wearing the other person's dress… and knew it… and cared. Blessed are those who didn't know it. Blessed are those who didn't care. Blessed are those who just brought in the clothing of a recently departed loved one. Blessed is the young mother who parks the stroller in such a way that the baby can "eat" the price tags. Blessed are those who can't say no and the layaways exceed their pay check. Blessed is the elderly lady who asks for two dollars off the price tag of a dress because it's too small for her. Blessed is that secure teen who shops wisely and goes to school covered in "GAP" and "Liz Wear" all bought from us. Blessed is the street person who comes looking for a warm jacket or blanket. Blessed are the workers in the Summer Brigade and the many student workers who come to our aid every year. Blessed is the customer who piles up a mound of clothing at the front desk for layaway as the clock strikes four, only to find she can't really make up her mind which blouse she wants. Blessed is the tavern owner down the block who put a chain and padlock on our front door, because someone on the street notified him that the shop had been left unlocked all night. Blessed are the persons who, needing new shoes, help themselves to a pair and then walk out, leaving their old ones on the shoe rack. Blessed is the young unmarried mother who came into the shop to show us her three day old baby. She was so very proud. She told us the father was very pleased. She said, "He even came to the hospital to take us home!" Blessed is the little man who selected a 25 cent pair of socks and asked for a senior discount. Blessed is the 14 year old girl who came to shop for her school wardrobe. She was so excited. She had $23. to spend. She left the shop with two full grocery bags. Her total bill was $9.50. The advice was free. Blessed is the woman who, while having her check okayed, confessed that when she started her walk, she said she wouldn't go past the Shop so that she wouldn't be tempted to spend any money. By the end of the walk, she was saying, "I sure hope I can make it to the Shop before they close." Blessed are the many donors. May they continue to think of Saint Matthew's Thrift Shop and our work. Blessed are the wonderful volunteers who give their time and talent year after year to help the Shop provide the outstanding service to others that it does. Blessed are all who have experienced these many things and much more in their relationship with Saint Matthew's Thrift Shop. |
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Saint
Matthew's Thrift Shop