Donations of merchandise are made by the congregation and other members of
the community (usually through drives and/or by having a collection bin at the
shop). Parishioners volunteer their services to operate the shop.
To organize a thrift shop:
- Set up a committee within your congregation to manage the shop and
coordinate volunteers;
- Find an area for the shop (at your religious center or other donated
space);
- Decide which organizations will receive the funds and/or donated
merchandise your shop generates;
- Determine the kind of merchandise you will carry (clothing, furniture,
etc.) and seek donations;
- Ask for volunteers in your congregation or community to donate their time
on a regular basis to run the shop, to sort through and display donations, to
make deliveries and pickups.
If your religious center already has a thrift shop, you can help by becoming
a volunteer and urging the shop to donate some of its proceeds to the homeless.
Real People
26 
28
54 Ways You Can Help
The Homeless - Overview