Open for 69 years, the Heavenly Finds Thrift Shop moved in December of 2023. It is now located in the rectory (the house) on the St. Peter’s Church property, 94 East Mt. Pleasant Avenue, next to the Ritz Diner.
Since the shop became a ministry of the Church of the Holy Spirit in Verona in the fall of 2021, it has donated over $140,000 to fund various programs. Focusing on those that address food insecurity, almost 45 percent of the money raised has funded area food pantries, including Livingston Neighbors Helping Neighbors’ CHOW; the Church of the Holy Spirit Food Pantry; and Holy Trinity Episcopal Church Food Pantry (Christine’s Kitchen) in West Orange.
More than 25 percent of the funds have benefitted programs supporting children, including $6,000 for six scholarships to Livingston High School seniors. Heavenly Finds sponsored a Suicide Prevention Walk and several local weekly camperships for children who would not be able to attend summer camp without financial aid. It also supports community services such as police, fire departments and first aid squads.
“This ministry of outreach is possible because of the generous donations we receive, our faith-filled customers, the leadership of our manager, and over 25 volunteers,” notes Heavenly Finds’ Cynthia Brady. “Come visit us in our new ‘boutique’ and please support our ministry with your donations (household goods and knickknacks are especially needed.) The green bins on the porch are available to the public for dropping off items at all times.”
