About
The Thrift Shop is a major outreach program of the Parish of St. Matthew, providing 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.
We are a source of low-cost merchandise and a haven for collectors. No profits are used to support the Parish of St. Matthew. Revenue generated from sales is used in cooperation with a wide range of agencies that provide community services and assistance to the less fortunate. Disbursal of all profits is in the form of grants to various agencies that 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 our volunteers, the rewards are both immediate and enduring; immediate rewards are experienced through direct contact with our customers, enduring rewards come from knowing that the profits go to help others.
Thrift Shop History
In August of 1957, at the home of Mrs. Norma Briggs, St. Matthew’s Thrift Shop was born. Over the years, the Main Street area of Santa Monica has evolved from a sleepy side street into a chic avenue of first-rate restaurants and trendy shops.
Today the Thrift Shop operates under the direction of a Board of Directors. The purpose of the Board is to guide the day-to-day operation of the shop and disburse the profits. The Board consists of members from St. Matthew’s parish, school and Thrift Shop community and operates under the aegis of St. Matthew’s Outreach Commission. Our approximately 50 rotating volunteers are essential to our successful operation.
2021 Thrift Shop Grant Recipients
