NEW BETHLEHEM – The Valley Thrift Shop in downtown New Bethlehem has officially opened for its 2026 fall and winter season, continuing a 43-year tradition of volunteer service, affordable shopping and giving back to the local community.
Located at 224 Broad Street in New Bethlehem, the Valley Thrift Shop reopened for the fall season, following several days of work by its volunteers. Earlier in the week, volunteers unpacked and displayed approximately 110 boxes of fall and winter clothing, followed by additional seasonal and household merchandise throughout the shop.
The Valley Thrift Shop is operated entirely by volunteers, with its mission centered on neighbors helping neighbors. Proceeds from the shop support local nonprofit organizations and charitable causes throughout the community.
The shop’s history dates back to 1983, when it was established as a mission of local churches to help those in need. Community Action Inc. documented the shop’s 40th anniversary in 2023, making 2026 its 43rd year of service to the New Bethlehem and Redbank Valley community. Over the decades, hundreds of volunteers have contributed their time and talents to keeping the organization and its mission going strong.
What began primarily with donated clothing and household goods has grown to include decorative items, books, holiday and seasonal merchandise, jewelry, games, and many other gently used items. Community donations help provide affordable merchandise for local families while supporting the shop’s charitable mission.
New Bethlehem Mayor Gordon Barrows and Vietnam veteran Raymond Guntrum recently visited the Valley Thrift Shop to personally thank the ladies who volunteer their time throughout the year. The volunteers were surprised with bouquets of flowers and pumpkin spice coffee as a small token of appreciation for their continued dedication and service to the community.
“These ladies represent what makes our community so special,” Barrows said. “They freely give their time to help their neighbors, provide affordable items to local families, and use the proceeds to support nonprofit organizations throughout our community. Their dedication is a wonderful example of neighbors helping neighbors.”
Special thanks were also extended to Julie of Tom’s Riverside Quality Foods and Chloe, Alex and Jason of Canyon Coffee Co. in New Bethlehem for helping support the appreciation effort and spread a little extra kindness throughout the community.
The Valley Thrift Shop has a particularly rich tradition of volunteerism. Historical newspaper records document individual volunteers who served the organization for more than two decades, while Community Action reported that the shop had 51 active volunteers at the time of its 40th anniversary celebration in 2023.
The shop is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donations are accepted during regular store hours.
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