Our Vision
There are too many families in Sussex County, DE
and Worcester County, MD who struggle
to put food on their tables.
We want to help change that.
Our Mission
Our mission is to raise funds that support local organizations who are Assisting these families.
We do this by selling gently used clothing,
housewares, furniture and more.
Our Story
The Samaritan Thrift Shop opened in 2008 as a ministry of Fenwick Island's St. Matthews by the Sea, United Methodist Church. We started in an 1800 square foot building in Williamsville Industrial Park adjacent to what was then Bayside Chapel (now Bayshore Community Church). Since then, we have had to expand twice. We now have a total of 6000 square feet - still in Williamsville Industrial Park. In 2023, we became a stand-alone 501(c)3 (our specific public charity status is 509(a)2). We incorporated with a slight change in our name:
Samaritan Thrift Store, Inc.
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In addition to the main sales floor of clothing, shoes, baby items, housewares, books, jewelry, and more, a separate room is dedicated to furniture and related accessories such as lamps, linens, and pictures. This room also contains a rotating supply of tools, hardware, sporting goods, and odds and ends.
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We employ a Store Manager and two Assistant Managers who work with 60+ amazing and talented volunteers. But the real engine of our success is you, our customers. Without your faithful patronage, we would not be able to support local food pantries.* And that is why we exist: to bring food security to those who are hungry in Sussex County, DE and Worcester County, MD. Thank you for joining us in this effort!
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"...Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none;
and whoever has food must do likewise."
Luke 3:11
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*Funds raised through sales at the Samaritan Thrift Store are divided among local food pantries who make timely written requests for assistance in providing food for their respective missions. All requests are reviewed, and requirements must be met in order to be included in the year end distribution. Funding is determined on an annual basis and is not automatically renewable.
-Bayshore Community Food Bank
-Blessing House Ministry
-Cape Henlopen Food Basket
-Community Lutheran Church Food Pantry
-Harry K. Foundation
-Helping Hands Food Bank
-High Tide Food Pantry
-Home of the Brave
-Love, Inc. of Mid-Delmarva
-Neighbors Helping Neighbors
-Salvation Army, Sussex Food Relief
-Samaritan Ministries, Inc.
-Seaford Community Food Closet
$136,000 Donated in 2023
We Also donated items to:
Elks
The Pyle Center
Sussex County Humane Society
Worcester County Humane Society
Phillip C. Showell, Elementary School
John M. Clayton, Elementary School
Selbyville Middle School
American Rescue Workers, Inc.