Corner Cupboard Thrift Shop needs home furnishings, clothing

Each week, Meredith Moss profiles a non-profit organization in our community and its specific needs. If your group has a wish list it would like to share, contact Meredith: MMoss@coxohio.com

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Meredith and her “Make a Difference” column have been honored with the first “Friend of Philanthropy” award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

It’s spring cleaning time, and the perfect time to contribute items you no longer need to non-profit thrift shops in our area.

One good example is the Corner Cupboard Thrift Shop. All of the proceeds benefit a variety of worthy Miami Valley organizations.

“Corner Cupboard Charities is a diamond in the rough; it is been a part of the East Dayton committee for over 60 years with a mission to help those in need,” says board volunteer Beth Cloyd. “Second- and third-generation volunteers are now taking over where their mothers and fathers left off.”

Cloyd is a case in point. Her mother was involved with the thrift shop, and Cloyd has been helping out since the age of 10.

The shop dates back to 1960 when it was started by 21 women responding to a request from Cincinnati’s Glenmary sisters to start a thrift shop that could raise money for missionary work in Appalachia.

“In the later ’60s, due to diversification of their missionary work, very few remain in the Glenmary order, and the Corner Cupboard moved to change its original commitment,” explains Cloyd. “At that time, she explains, it became a philanthropic organization, with profits going to a variety of regional charities. Some of those currently being aided are Building Bridges; Catholic Social Services; East Dayton Food Pantry; Shoes for the Shoeless; Greene Country Domestic Violence; Suicide Prevention Center of Southwest Ohio; Daybreak; House of Bread; Glenmary Sisters; Gospel Mission; Epiphany Lutheran Church, Centerville, and ten St. Vincent De Paul Councils.

The Corner Cupboard, located at 34 Pierce St. for more than 50 years, moved into a former A&P grocery store at 504 Xenia Ave. in 2015. “The move has allowed us to expand our store as well as our revenue, therefore allowing donations to go even further in the Dayton area and adding a few other non-profit organizations to our monthly donations,” explains Cloyd.

Cloyd said the shop always needs volunteers and can use items in good condition. It cannot accept computers, mattresses or stuffed furniture.

Here’s what they can use:

The Corner Cupboard is located at 504 Xenia Ave. in Dayton, across from St. Mary's Church. Items may be dropped off during business hours: 9:30 a.m. to 3:45 Monday through Saturday. For donation pick-ups, call (937) 252.5491. For more information, see the group's Facebook page.