What’s It Mean to Volunteer?

It’s to do something for other people or for an organization, willingly and
without being forced or paid to do it:
For volunteers associated with the Santa Maria del Mar Conference of the Society of St
Vincent de Paul, it’s an opportunity to help needy neighbors in Flagler County. The
Society has various venues for donations but one of the most important ones is the
“Nearly New” Thrift Store located at 400 South Daytona Ave., Flagler Beach. The store
offers clothing, shoes, purses, jewelry and various household items at bargain prices.
The volunteers call the store their second home and see each other as part of a large
family, sharing pictures of loved ones, news from their families in other cities or states,
milestone birthdays, etc.
Some of the volunteers have been part of the thrift store from day one in 2008. Others
have joined on as sorters, cashiers and “special event” volunteers. Most of the
volunteers live in Flagler County so helping at the thrift store is like helping our next
door neighbor. All proceeds from the thrift store, as well as the upcoming “All Things
Christmas,” stay in Flagler County. “I like the fact that I know my time and effort at the
thrift store means someone gets a bargain when they buy something here but the fact
the money stays here in Flagler County, helping my neighbors with food or shelter or
medical needs, it’s a worthwhile way to spend my time,” say volunteer Maggie Johnson.
One of the major fundraising events is the annual “All Things Christmas” sale. This is
the seventh year the thrift store has sponsored the event, which will be held from
Thursday, November 21, 2024 through Saturday, November 23, 2024, at Santa Maria
del Mar Church Parish Hall, 915 North Central Avenue, Flagler Beach, from 10 a.m. to 3
p.m.  This event will feature a huge selection of “All Things Christmas” including but not
limited to Christmas trees, Christmas lights, wreaths, ornaments, jewelry, tablecloths,
and those “unique” Christmas tee-shirts and sweaters that we all enjoy.  “All Things

Christmas” will include hundreds of items at thrift store prices. Back by popular demand,
there will be raffle baskets with various themes.
New merchandise will be added daily with many one-of-a-kind items selling quickly. 
“This is my favorite event!  It’s fun to meet and greet shoppers who are looking for
something special to add to their Christmas decorations.  I encourage everyone to bring
their family, friends and neighbors.  Come shop for gifts or for something “nearly new” to
make this Christmas special, and remember, our inventory changes frequently so stop
by more than once,” said volunteer Beth Watson.  
The “Nearly New” Thrift Store sells “nearly new” clothing and other items such as
jewelry, glassware, decorative pillows, lamps, books and purses.  Treasures and
bargains are always available.  For more information, stop by The “Nearly New” Thrift
Store at 400 South Daytona Avenue, Flagler Beach or call the store at 386-439-0071. 
The store is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to
3 p.m.
This has become an annual fundraising event supporting the Santa Maria del Mar
Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a 501(c)(3) non-profit international
voluntary organization in the Catholic Church.  Among its varied efforts to offer help, the
Society’s Nearly New Thrift Store sells donated goods at a low price to raise money for
the struggling families in Flagler County.  There are hundreds of requests for help with
basic living needs, such as utility bills, and emergency food needs.  For more
information on the Santa Maria del Mar Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de
Paul, contact the office at 386-697-4806.