Mother Seton Cellar Thrift Shop started in 2011 by Rosemary MacMaster and myself, Debbie Milecki. I had learned of 3 homeless teens attending Manchester High School from my friend in the Guidance Office. We collected gently used clean clothing of all sizes including shoes. We got permission to open the store in the basement of the chapel from Fr. Pat and sold everything for $1.00 unless it has a tag. The store is operated by volunteers on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and the 2nd & 4th Saturday of the month.
Everything is a $1.00 each and/or whatever the tag price is marked. A few times a year we have a bag sale in which whatever fits into our bag is $5.00 and all tagged items are half price. You are always getting a bargain so please don’t take the tags off. All the money goes to help different ministries within the church and outside organizations that help people in crisis.
Every year we’ve hosted a Thanksgiving Luncheon on the Sunday before Thanksgiving for all those that have no one to eat with on Thanksgiving Day and we deliver a meal to all those on the SEAS homebound Communion list. People come and meet new friends and the youth of the parish help with serving. We have a coat drive for the homeless. Cash donations are given to the Food Pantry for Kathy to purchase most needed items. Donations have been given to St. Vincent de Paul, the church deficit and flower fund. This year a donation was made to the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Charlotte for the flood victims and also Catholic Charities of Los Angles during the fires. We’ve made monetary donations to Good Counsel Homes along with clothes and baby supplies. Years ago we gave out gift cards from Lowes, Home Depot, Walmart & Target to the victims of Super Storm Sandy. Clothing & food donations are given to the schools when they call for needy families. We sent a monetary donation to St. Hedwig’s church years back when a 8 homes in the neighborhood burnt down and much more. During this time we are helping Manchester Township High School food pantry in the high school. It is then dispersed to the other school in the township. Twenty Five of the most neediest families in the Manchester Township school district receive a Christmas Food Box, these are chosen by the principals and guidance counselors. We also help the homeless at the Father Benedict House in Atlantic City run by the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal. We give them clothing, shoes and new socks and undergarments.
So this is why we ask that the clothing we receive is Clean, Gently Used in Excellent Condition ready to give to someone in crisis. And we ask that if its dirty, torn and worn out to throw it out, we don’t even pass it on to Catholic Charities. Plus we don’t want to put out anything that you wouldn’t wear, so please think before you pass it on. If they’ve seen there better day then throw them away. We appreciate all we receive. Remember we Do Not take bathing suits, used socks or undergarments, it’s the dignity of a person that matters.
If you haven’t stopped in to look around or shop, come by and check us out. We are located in the basement of the Chapel so please remember to be quiet when entering and departing.
We thank you all for your support with making a purchase. We are trying to make a difference whether you are giving or purchasing.
It’s the dignity of a person no matter the age that counts. From a child age 5 getting a pair of shoes to a homeless person getting a pair of sneakers.
Again Thank you and God bless, Debbie Milecki
“Love has to be put into action, and that action is service.”
St. Mother Theresa
Drop off times and store hours:
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
The 2nd & 4th Saturdays of the month from 9:00am to 12:00pm.
Donations
Mother Seton's Cellar accepts donations of clean, undamaged clothing, shoes and jewelry during store hours. If clothing has stains or holes, please do not donate, we cannot give them to those in need or sell damaged clothing. Please do not leave donations in the vestibule of the Chapel, kindly take them downstairs to the store.