Second Chance Resale Shop

The Second Chance Resale Shop has been a part of downtown St. Marys for more than 50 years under the hospital auxiliary’s guidance. That tradition will continue under a new organization as the Penn Highlands Elk Auxiliary passes the keys to the Youth Center Board on Tuesday, Aug. 1.

The Resale Shop is a used clothing and household items shop. It was created to help community members find affordable items, and in turn, its profits were used to help with auxiliary projects at the hospital.

“The Resale Shop was opened at 429 N. St. Marys St. in St. Marys on April 26, 1967,” according to Pat Bressler, auxiliary president. It was managed totally by volunteer help and overseen by auxiliary. All proceeds were donated to the hospital to be used for specific pieces of equipment, designated projects, updating woman's imaging areas and other projects specified by the group.

On Dec. 6, 2006, a fire destroyed the building and all the contents, but that didn’t end the shop’s existence. On March 16, 2007, The Second Chance Resale Shop was opened at 18 Erie Ave. in St Marys. This location continued to serve local families and shoppers who like a good deal. At times, items were also sent to missionaries throughout the world when a disaster, such as a hurricane or earthquake, would cause devastation.

“In February 2017, a decision was made to re-evaluate the auxiliary's connection with the Resale Shop,” Bressler said. “Consequently, it was agreed that the group would focus more on other fundraising events and turn the resale business over to the Youth Center Board.”

The Youth Center Board has agreed to keep the business running with their own volunteers and continue to provide this service to the community.

“We wish them all the best,” Bressler said. Many people, especially the auxiliary members and hospital staff, are happy to see the shop remain open.

In addition to The Resale Shop, the PH Elk Auxiliary currently operates The Peppermint Stick Gift Shop located within the hospital. The auxiliary also hosts jewelry sales, book sales, uniform sales and most recently, a Lularoe clothing sale. At Christmas, funds are also raised through the Keepsake Tree which people can commemorate family and friends, both living and deceased.

The money raised is donated to the hospital for specific items to benefit the local community. It also uses donation to provide Christmas gifts for the residents at Pinecrest Manor, a department of PH Elk, and to complete its capital campaign commitment. Several years ago, the auxiliary pledged $250,000 toward the recent expansion of the hospital and to date has contributed $220,000 toward the pledge.

“The auxiliary wishes to sincerely thank all the past and present volunteers, without whom we could not continue to support worthwhile projects,” Bressler said. “The auxiliary also wishes to thank the hospital employees and the community for supporting the sales events and everyone who donated to or patronized The Resale Shop in the past. We wish a very successful future for The Resale Shop under its new ownership.”