These Fullerton spots give back to the community in many ways.
Credit: Photograph courtesy of Mustard Market
Mustard Market
The donation-based nonprofit thrift store partners with churches and charities in the area. Inside, you’ll find a thoughtfully curated selection of clothes, decor, toys, jewelry, and refurbished vintage furniture. Each sale allows Mustard Market to continue supporting local nonprofit partners, as well as its efforts to provide free books and education materials for all ages, resources for the homeless, and more. Follow the shop on Instagram for updates on the latest drops, deals, and outreach efforts. 415 S. Harbor Blvd., mustard.market
Good to Know
Mustard Market regularly offers 50 percent off sales on clothing, refurbished vintage furniture, housewares, and more.
All the Arts for All the Kids
Originally launched some 30 years ago as an arts education program for the Fullerton School District, All the Arts for All the Kids Foundation believes that access to the arts is not a privilege, but rather a birthright and shared value. The nonprofit organization nurtures creativity through art, music, dance, and theater programs. Classes for kids and adults take place at the foundation’s studio, and proceeds go toward funding arts education in public schools. The studio also regularly hosts free family events. 114 N. Harbor Blvd., allthearts.org
Chase Coffee Roasters
Across the street from Cal State Fullerton is a cafe committed to serving quality coffee and providing inclusive job opportunities for people with disabilities. Owner and founder Anthony Palmeri is a chef and former special education teacher who named the shop after Chase Tsuma, the first employee with disabilities he hired. Since then, many more employees have been provided a welcoming, safe space to learn, grow, and build community among colleagues and customers united by a shared appreciation for a good cup of coffee. 2736 Nutwood Ave., chasecoffeeroasters.com
Monkey Business Cafe
Delicious food and another great cause to support can be found near Fullerton College. Monkey Business Cafe is on a mission to equip foster and at-risk youth with marketable employment skills. The menu is centered on an organic, farm-to-table process that begins with a partnership with the Cal State Fullerton Arboretum. Employees gain experience in the field and learn essential industry skills such as harvesting, growing, food preparation, busing, cashiering, and customer service. 301 E. Amerige Ave., monkeybusinesscafe.org