- May 4, 2024
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An Ormond Beach Catholic church recently relocated its thrift shop, putting more money back into the community.
BY EMILY BLACKWOOD | STAFF WRITER
The Prince of Peace Catholic Church relocated its Like New Thrift Shop Feb. 17.
Known for its social service in Ormond Beach and the surrounding area, the church built the new shop in order to spend its money on more important things than rent, officials say.
“We rented a commercial plaza for over 25 years,” social services director Gretel Abad said. “We realized that constructing our own building on the church property would enable us to eventually take the money we pay in rent and put it back to more services in the community."
The new location, at 1225 Hand Ave., was opened last week with a blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremony. The 6,000-square-foot building will eventually be expanded to include the church’s food pantry, offices for social services, group meetings, additional sales area and a chapel.
Abad said the new building will give them the space and money they need to help more people in the community. In 2013 alone, the church helped local families more than 4,900 times, by distributing 5,851 bags of food, 385 shelter vouchers and financial assistance for prescriptions, utility bills, bus passes, rent and mortgage payments.
“This ministry encapsulates an array of different services,” Abad said. “We are Catholic, so we call it corporal works of mercy. That is the religious concept of why we do this. It is philanthropic in nature, but it is intimately tied to our faith.“
The store is open from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Donations are welcome at the store, and people with large items are asked to call 386-672-2836 for pickup.
