This year the Thrift Shop celebrates 55 years of ministry in and for the La Porte community! Clothes and shoes, knick knacks, books, puzzles … everything many folks need to help make their home complete. And, for many others, the Thrift Shop is a place to bring all their unneeded and leftover items and know that the proceeds from their sale will benefit ministry.
The first year that the Thrift Shop was open (June 1970-June 1971) the sales totaled $9,019.24. The Thrift Shop continues to bring in substantial funds, last year (2024) totaling $70,000 that went to the church.
The Thrift Shop started in 1970, through the dedication and hard work of many men and women, and has since changed locations a few times. There are many women that continue to volunteer a couple hours or multiple days a week to keep the Thrift Shop stocked with items that are donated by St. John’s members or the community. Sales occur from time to time, to ensure that people from the community are able to afford the items that are either desired or needed in their homes.
Several years ago, during the pandemic, the Thrift Shop celebrated its 50th anniversary. Well, actually, it was just skipped, like so many other events during the days where managing the pandemic and our community’s response was more important than any other event. So, two years later, in the spring of 2022, we gathered to celebrate a “50 + 2 Anniversary”. A special sale, some hot dogs for customers and staff members, even a ride in an antique car thanks to another congregational leader made it a rather special event. This year the Thrift Shop continues on in its service to the community, celebrating 55 years and looking forward to more!
The Thrift Shop may sell items for pennies on the dollar, but thanks to the numerous volunteers from St. John’s, Trinity Lutheran Church, and others we are able to cover the cost of projects, salaries, utilities… pretty much anything that is needed! The next time someone with limited mobility needs to use the vertical platform lift at church, let them know that the cost of the lift was mostly covered by the Thrift Shop. Better yet, stop by the Thrift Shop over on A street (just across from old St. John’s School), take a tour, and buy a couple of gently used items.
Below are photos, some taken this year and some from the past 15 years of Thrift Shop history.
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