Two opportunities await the parish to learn about the mission of the Opportunity Shop! First, visit our table at the September 13
Renewal Sunday Ministry Fair to hear more about the shop, view/purchase items, and explore volunteer opportunities. Second, please join us on September 20 at 6:00 PM as the Opportunity Shop hosts a Third Sunday Supper—an Italian meal with homemade desserts to celebrate our 75th anniversary.
Founded in January 1951 by the women of St. John’s, the shop was first housed at 7341 Wisconsin Ave. The mission was to “provide low-cost merchandise to those in need while generating funds for charitable works and parish maintenance.” With the redevelopment in the '70s, '80s and '90s, several locations were used until 2006. Now located at 4504 Walsh Street with a similar mission, the shop has a long history of community support and significant contributions, which include:
- Financial Support: In 1952, the shop provided the $10,000 down payment for the Rectory and later funded the mortgage payoff in 1963. The total amount of donations over the past 75 years exceeds an amazing 3 million!
- Community Impact: This year alone, the Shop donated over $100,000 to St. John’s Ministry for Community Engagement.
- Charitable Outreach: Annual profits have supported organizations like Boys and Girls Club; CASA; Greentree Shelter; Interfaith Works; Mary’s Center; New Neighbor Interfaith Alliance NNIA); Nourishing Bethesda; REBUILD; Shepherd’s Table; Solutions in Hometown Connections (SHC); and A Wider Circle—alongside providing vouchers for those in need of clothing and household essentials.
Beyond its financial contributions, the shop serves as a vital social space where volunteers and customers build supportive friendships. We are currently seeking new volunteers to join our teams! Our enthusiastic staff includes everyone from neighbors who joined during the recent pandemic to students who earn service hours.
The non-profit shop is staffed entirely by over 80 active volunteers who manage donations, pricing, and sales. We accept clean, usable clothing; kitchenware; jewelry; home décor; small furniture; books; art; and toys. By finding new life for these goods, we also help keep items out of landfills. Your donations help us turn ” rags into riches!”
In our 75th year, the Op Shop remains a constant source of communal support and outreach with St. John’s Norwood. We look forward to celebrating this diverse community of volunteers and customers with you on September 20!
- Margaret Uhar