The Cathedral of St. Philip Thrift House, which began in 1947 in a church basement, has grown into a 6,600-square-foot warehouse, but its mission to serve the community by selling quality goods at affordable prices remains the same. So does giving 100 percent of the profits back to local charities.
Most of the donations to the Cathedral Thrift House come from parishioners of the church on Peachtree Road in Buckhead. As a result, the Thrift House and its customers see a wide range of high-quality inventory, from Baccarat crystal and collectible tea sets to Brooks Brothers suits, Cole Hahn shoes and the occasional Prada handbag, as well as more standard thrift store items. All of the items are sold well below retail price. Their larger quarters on Piedmont Road now allow them to offer more furniture, rugs and artwork.
“We are fortunate to have so many wonderful customers from Morningside, Midtown and Buckhead,” says Thrift House manager Nellie Holleman. “Not only do they buy from us, but their generous donations support us. We take great pride in having an extremely talented group of antique dealers who work in the area and visit us daily. Yes, they also buy from us, but always take the time to give advice on pricing, history and wonderful little tidbits which help to enhance our merchandise.”
The Cathedral Thrift House also serves the community by welcoming its homeless neighbors with a kind word, a warm jacket or a set of clean clothes. Since 2000, the Thrift House has donated over $1.1 million to the community and church. Recent recipients include the Emmaus House, which serves the residents of the Peoplestown neighborhood near Turner Field, The Church of the Common Ground, Open Door Community, The Road and the Beacon of Hope Learning Center.
“Our eclectic customers and merchandise truly set us apart,” Holleman says. “We have something for everyone, from an unbelievable selection of books, music, art and jewelry to an equally great offering of children’s clothing and toys. A beautiful selection of furniture, rugs, porcelains, linens, unique kitchenware, fabulous men’s and women’s clothing and shoes. All in one beautiful spot.”
And, as Alice Remigailo, one of the many Thrift House volunteers, says of the Cathedral Thrift House mission, “I am amazed by what we accomplish, not by loving to recycle goods, but by recycling to love people.”
The Cathedral Thrift House, located at 1893 Piedmont Road, is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call 404-876-5440 for more information.
–Mary Bondurant