While quite a few of the Emmaus staff members kept the possibility of a thrift store in their collective hearts, it was not until 2005 (almost a decade after several folks had initially kicked the idea around) that this small seed of vision would become a reality.  At Emmaus' 38 York Street location (dorkily called Emmaus 2.0), some folks held a yard sale to help raise money for humanitarian efforts in Darfur, Sudan.  So many quality individuals and groups gave great donations of household goods, musical instruments, clothes, electronics and more, that the community started kicking around the idea of taking the excess goods and running the downtown commercial space as a retail thrift store.  The thoughts were simple:  Thrift stores always have been accidentally hip.  Many young people flock to them for cool vintage threads and one-of-a-kind knick knacks. What's more, thrift stores fulfill a real demand in the immediate community for those in need of clothing or goods at more affordable prices.  Thrift stores recycle goods and clothing, supporting sustainability and, often, use the money to support other-centered causes.  At Emmaus, we wanted to bring in the flare of youth, fashion sensibility, and a conscientious heart to a possible store in downtown Gettysburg.

More donations kept coming, community folks started coming out, people were blessed, good relationships were built.  More people were wondering how they could help, what they could give, or when they could come shop around.  Under the initial supervision of Jake Lewis, Emmaus Thrift ran for 4 months at the 38 York Street location, with limited hours as space was shared with the concert venue/cafe space.

With the move to 49 York Street, however, Emmaus Thrift became the largest second hand store in downtown Gettysburg, with over 1,000 clothing items displayed, and sections for electronics, accessories, CDs and books, small furniture, housewares, kids items, and more. .  Almost every item in the store is under $5, and all proceeds go to help nonprofit efforts in Adams county and throughout the world.  Check out the volunteer page if you would like to help in a very very real way or contact us for more information.  New goods are circulated through every day.  Free coffee or hot chocolate is often served.  Good music is played.  Friends are made.

    Very affordable parking can be found in the adjacent lots around back.  The entrance is also around back, and up the stairs.  It is off the beaten path, but very worth the trip!  The secret is out on Emmaus Thrift, as it has seen more daily activity that what the store at 38 York saw in a week.  Stop by any Tuesday-Saturday 10 am-5pm.  Drop offs are taken during business hours or by appointment.