Thrift Shop Washington County is one of the poorest counties in Maine and in the country. It has a very high level of poverty with many people living on the edge of subsistence. This is particularly true in the winter months when the jobs are scarce. This facility of the Mission provides essential clothing, furniture and household goods to families in need.

Under the direction of Marilyn Nickson, the Thrift Shop is always looking for more efficient and effective ways of providing essential clothing and household items to families. In 2006, over 45,000 items were provided at modest cost.

Items in good condition are collected from the Mission House garage at 127 West Street in Bar Harbor and at the Thrift Shop on Weald Bethel Lane in Cherryfield. These items are then processed at the Thrift Shop for sale. Because there is limited storage space, advanced notice of donations of large items such as furniture and appliances is always appreciated.

The Thrift Shop is far more than an inexpensive place to shop. It is a place that focuses on many aspects of living in poverty. It has a voucher system that enables families with very limited resources to acquire items with dignity at no cost. The Thrift Shop has also worked with the Training and Development Corporation to provide job training for a young mother. She performed very well and has now progressed to a permanent job with the skills that she learned at the Thrift Shop. Many volunteers spend time at the Thrift Shop to visit and share in the fellowship of working together.

To find out more about the Thrift Shop or donating items in Cherryfield, please contact Marilyn Nickson at 207-546-7192 or mnickson@seacoastmission.org. To find out about donating items at our Bar Harbor office, please contact Terri Rodick at trodick@seacoastmission.org or call 207-288-5097.