Shopping with a cause: Thrift stores within the Diocese of Erie
by Annie Moks
09/16/2026
Most people love the thrill of a bargain or the joy of finding a hidden treasure. Throughout the Diocese of Erie, thrift stores and clothing ministries offer something even greater: the chance to meet practical needs while sharing Christ’s love. 
Across our 13 counties, these ministries take many forms. Some provide clothing and household items free of charge to those who need them most. Others sell donated goods and use the proceeds to fund outreach programs that support families, children and seniors. Together, they show that even something as ordinary as shopping can become an act of service.
At Our Lady of the Lake Parish’s Thrifty Threads in Edinboro, that spirit of service begins with hospitality. Shoppers browse clothing, shoes, toys and household goods — most priced at just 50 cents — while volunteers create a welcoming, organized space that keeps people coming back. Regina Pilewski, one of the store’s directors, says the best part of volunteering is the people, from the dedicated workers to the customers who line up outside before the doors open on Saturday mornings. Housed in what was once the parish’s original church building, Thrifty Threads carries a bit of parish history within its walls, and every purchase helps support nonprofit organizations throughout the area.
That same spirit of care is at the heart of St. Clare’s Clothing Store, part of the St. Joseph Church/ Bread of Life Community. Open on Wednesdays, the closet recently expanded into a larger, remodeled space thanks to a grant from the Catholic Foundation. There, clothing, shoes and small household items are offered completely free of charge. Carol Doyle, lead volunteer, says the ministry serves about 20 shoppers each week, offering not only practical help but also dignity and welcome to those who come through its doors.
At St. Bartholomew Parish, the Clothing Closet is a quieter ministry, but no less meaningful. Open on the third Monday of each month, it provides free seasonal clothing in sizes ranging from newborn to adult. Maintained by Debbie and Maryann Karsonovich, the closet is built on a simple mission: to offer what is needed, freely and generously, to anyone who comes.
In Titusville, Associated Charities shows how a thrift store can become the front door to something much larger. Its retail space offers clothing, toiletries, bedding, shoes and housewares, but beyond the store is a broad network of outreach serving families, children and seniors. Last year, its Back-to-School Program provided 180 students with new outfits, shoes, backpacks and school supplies in a store-like setting that preserved dignity while helping children begin the school year with confidence. Executive Director Cricket Wencil-Tracey, along with Brittany Rowland and Kevin Burrows, help oversee a broad range of outreach efforts that support children, families and seniors throughout the year. Associated Charities also partners with St. Titus Parish and the Knights of Columbus to support Christmas gifts, winter coats and food assistance. Next door, the food pantry serves about 270 families each month. In Titusville, the thrift store may be what first brings people in, but it is the care waiting beyond the sales floor that leaves the deepest impact.
Love INC offers a similar blend of practicality and compassion. Described more as a boutique than a thrift store, it welcomes shoppers with affordable household items, clothing and even faux floral arrangements made from donated materials. But according to Executive Director Kathleen Barker, what many people remember most is the fellowship. A prayer and praise wall invites visitors to share their needs, blessings and prayer requests, turning the space into more than a shop — it becomes a place of encouragement and connection. Love INC’s ministries extend well beyond the boutique. Through programs such as Just for Kicks, Bare Necessities and Completing Homes, children and families receive shoes, toiletries, beds, books and other essentials. Its Backpack Kids Ministry also helps provide food and birthday backpacks for children in need.
Though each of these ministries serves in a different way, all reflect the same Gospel call: to care for our neighbors with generosity and compassion. In every donated coat, every affordable purchase and every bag of food or school supplies handed to a family, they offer a quiet but powerful witness to Christ’s love in action.
For thrifting tips, store hours and locations visit https://www.eriercd.org/Thrifting.html
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