Nestled comfortably at the edge of the parking lot at St. Stephen’s Church is a thrift center that very few Valley Center residents know about. Run by the Women’s Guild of St. Stephen’s Church, they sell gently used clothes, toys, jewelry and more.
Although many people in the community don’t know it exists, the center has been open for over 30 years. The money raised in the store goes directly to several different charities and non-profits that help people in need.
The Thrift Center started as a garage sale fundraiser during the time when Fr. Roger Lechner, later Monsignor Lechner—St. Stephen’s founding priest— was the priest, because the church needed to raise funds. They raised the necessary funds, and still had some items from the garage sale left. Soon after, they created a store in the room that held the items they had not sold at the garage sale. St. Stephen’s Church Thrift Store has been consistently open ever since.
The people who work in the store are not paid employees, but volunteers. The store provides an opportunity generally for older women in the community—though all are welcome—to serve their community by donating their time, organizing newly received items, putting tags on clothes, and helping customers.
The main goal of the Thrift Center is to provide visitors with high-quality gently used merchandise. The boutique style shop is filled with interesting items. “We just want people to know we are here,” Kathy Eckert, who has worked at the Thrift Center since close to its inception explained, “We sell everything from knickknacks, to purses, and clothes. We can’t take large items because we simply don’t have the space.”
Not only do they use the funds they receive to support the church and the community, they also regularly assist those in need—especially veteran’s organizations, homeless organizations, and rehabs—by providing them with access to items they need such as clothing. They also take bedding that is too used to sell at the store, and donate them to the local veterinary offices.
They often make appearances at community events as well. For Christmas every year, St. Stephen’s participate in Christmas in the Valley, which will be happening on December 13, and 14 this year at Bates Nut Farm, and puts on “A Night in Bethlehem,”, an enjoyable community event were church members dress up as though they were from Bethlehem and the large hall is turned into the marketplace in Bethlehem.
Children have the opportunity to create various arts and crafts projects, and purchase toys for $1. They also have Middle Eastern food to complete the aesthetics. This year the “Night in Bethlehem” will take place on December 7.
St. Stephen’s Thrift Center is open to the public several days a week. They have varying hours. So be sure to check the website or call ahead to make sure they are open. They accept donations from everyone, but ask that you call ahead and drop off your items during their business hours to ensure the items remain in good condition. The Thrift Center’s phone number is 760-749-1965. You can find more information on the St. Stephen’s website at, ststephenvc.com/ministries/thrift-store/
Photos: Some of the hidden treasures that you’ll find at St Stephen Church’s Thrift Center. Photo by Allegra Much
