Episcopal Thrift House

The Church of the Redeemer Episcopal Thrift House is operated by the Women’s Outreach Ministry of the Church of the Redeemer. Nearly all of the items found at the store have been donated by Redeemer parishioners, with additional items coming from store volunteers and family and friends throughout the community.

Located in downtown Sarasota at the corner of Lemon and Second Streets, the Thrift House is conveniently situated just across from the bus station and Whole Foods Market.  The Thrift House has been at its current location for 8 years, but has been serving the Sarasota community as far back as the early 1950s. Previous locations included space in the Little Five Points area and also a long stint behind the Gator Bar just off Main Street.

The bulk of all profits made from sales at the Episcopal Thrift House go directly to local Sarasota charities, with smaller, but significant amounts going to national and even international relief organizations and efforts. The store is generally open all year round, with a two week closing typically in late August to refurbish and restock the store. The store is staffed and managed by a team of volunteers, mostly from the Church of the Redeemer, but also includes a contingent of caring community volunteers, who donate their time and energy to benefit Sarasota’s needy.

During cold weather, the House has a tradition of gathering up whatever blankets and warm clothing might be about the store and leaving them outside at the back of the building for people in need. The items are always gone the next morning when store volunteers arrive to open the store.

Every year the store has a $6 dollar bag sale – anything buyers can fit in a standard size grocery bag is theirs for just six bucks.  The annual “Bag Sale” is always a popular event.

Customary hours for the Episcopal Thrift House are Monday through Friday 10 am to 4 pm, Saturday 10 am to 1 pm. The store is located at 1503 Second Street, near Whole Foods and the Sarasota Bus Transfer Station at the intersection of Lemon Avenue. Public parking is close by, and there is parking available in front of and behind the store, and along Second Street.

For more information, please contact the Episcopal Thrift House at 365.1519, or call the Church of the Redeemer office at 955.4263.