The Phoenixville Hospital Thrift Shop has found a new home in a prime location, offering shoppers the opportunity to support local charities while finding unique items for the holiday season. After more than four decades, the shop has relocated to 822 Main Street, next to Phoenixville Hospital. Run entirely by volunteers, the thrift shop has been a beloved part of the community since it first opened its doors in 1975. Over the years, it has raised an impressive $1 million through the collection and resale of donated clothing and household items.
One of the shop’s main goals is to give back to the Phoenixville community. Almost all of the funds raised have been distributed among various nonprofit organizations in the area. Recipients include Ann’s Heart, the Cancer Center at Phoenixville Hospital, Mom’s House, St. Mary’s Franciscan Shelter, and many others. The shop’s president, Maggie Silva, highlighted the shop’s evolution in terms of where the funds are directed. We have about eight different charities; they make an application for a grant. We have given over a million dollars away, she said.
In addition to supporting local charities, the thrift shop serves as an important resource for the community. It helps individuals without the financial means to put together an outfit and contributes to reducing waste by keeping items out of landfills. Silva emphasized the ongoing need for volunteers, especially in the face of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The screening process for volunteers is conducted through Phoenixville Hospital, and Silva expressed the shop’s openness to welcoming more volunteers.
The new location of the Phoenixville Hospital Thrift Shop has quickly captured the hearts of both young and old members of the community. Volunteer Barbara Kane described the location as magical, with its stained glass windows and high ceilings. She praised the shop for its recycling-conscious approach and the gem-like qualities of the volunteers. The new space offers a more boutique-like atmosphere, and now includes a dedicated room for men’s items.
With deep roots in the community, the new thrift shop location has a rich history dating back to 1910. It has previously served as a nurses’ residence and was home to a used bookstore called The Bookworm. The three-floor building brings a touch of charm and history to the Phoenixville shopping scene.
Donations of good-condition women’s, men’s, and children’s clothing, as well as shoes, toys, and housewares, are accepted at the Phoenixville Hospital Thrift Shop. However, at this time, the shop cannot accept dishes and glassware. Any unsold items in the shop are donated to Green Drop, an organization with several locations in Chester County, focused on accepting gently used clothing and household goods for nonprofit and charity partners.
For those interested in supporting local charities while finding affordable and unique items, the thrift shop is open on Mondays and Fridays from 1 to 4 p.m., Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the first Saturday of each month from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Stay updated on the shop’s offerings and events by visiting their Facebook page.
The Phoenixville Hospital Thrift Shop’s move to a new location has breathed fresh life into its mission of giving back to the community. With its longstanding commitment to supporting local charities and providing affordable options for shoppers, the thrift shop continues to make a positive impact in Phoenixville.
