Not only do shoppers of the Righteous Clothing Thrift Store in Parkesburg reap the rewards of buying quality used merchandise for discount prices, but the community also benefits as well. Proceeds from the store, which is a ministry of Parkesburg United Methodist Church, are donated directly to local nonprofit organizations.

Store manager Robin McCormick recently announced that a total of $20,000 was presented to local organizations, the result of store sales and donations in 2022. The recipients included the Octorara Area Food Cupboard, Keystone Valley Fire Department, Parkesburg Free Library, the Parkesburg Borough Police Department, the Atglen Public Library, the Parkesburg POINT youth center and Parkesburg Churches Community Outreach (PCCO).

Other recipients included David's Drive 831, a charity that serves veterans; Locust Lane Riding Center in Coatesville, which offers equine-assisted therapies; and Everybody Plays! - a community organization that is looking to renovate the playground at Minch Park so that it is accessible to children of all abilities.

"We keep an ear out for areas in need in the community," said McCormick when explaining how the beneficiaries are chosen.

The all-volunteer-run shop, which opened in 2009, is located at 317 Main St., Parkesburg. In March of 2022, the facility was renovated when a vacant store and a former donation take-in area were combined to form a larger retail space, double the size of the original. Along with the expansion, the shop began accepting credit card payments for the first time, in addition to cash.

The Righteous Clothing Thrift Store offers pet supplies; sporting goods; accessories, including belts, wallets and purses; baby supplies; puzzles; antiques and collectibles; toys; books; seasonal decor; and clothing for men, women and children.

Volunteers are always needed to help sort and price items and to run the cash register. Volunteers of all ages are welcome, and they do not have to be members of the church.

The store is also seeking donations of new or gently used items in good condition. "Donations should be made during store hours, or people can message us on Facebook to make other arrangements," McCormick noted.

McCormick has announced that a special event will be held at the store in March. "March 18 is our first anniversary of the opening of the newly renovated store," she said. "We will have specials and other activities."

The store's winter hours of operation are Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursdays from 1 to 5 p.m., Fridays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.facebook.com/righteousclothingthriftstore or https://righteousclothingthriftstore.godaddysites.com.