Our History

Mount Joy Gift and Thrift began in Mount Joy in July 1977 as the Mount Joy Re-Uzit Shop in a rented building at 50 East Main Street. In 1984, the present building at 413 West Main Street was purchased. The part of the building closest to Weis Market was remodeled and opened in February, 1985. The other two sections of the store were rented to other businesses. In 1989, the middle section was renovated and opened as a gift store. In 1994, the third store was added to sell miscellaneous items.

Mount Joy Gift and Thrift is one of more than 100 similar stores in the United States and Canada. The purpose of these stores is to support the worldwide relief efforts of Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), sending food, clothing, basic hygiene items, and other assistance to persons experiencing need due to war, natural disaster, famine, etc.

This store is dependent on the donations of saleable items from the community. Most of the work is done by approximately 165 volunteers  who support the mission of MCC. A Board of Directors consisting of members of Mennonite Church USA, River Brethren, and the Brethren in Christ churches sets policies and gives overall direction to the work.