Enter an unassuming facade on Atlantic Avenue, walk down a flight of stairs and along a dim corridor, and a thrift shop bursting with treasures comes into view — penguin saltshakers, woolen sweaters and pink coupe glasses arranged on tables and racks.
The money made from First United Methodist Church of Oceanside’s thrift store helps support the church at a time when congregations nationwide are struggling to stay open.
More Protestant churches closed than opened in 2024, according to Lifeway Research, a trend attributed to decline in the number of Americans identifying as Christians.
“That’s a lot of the reason why we keep this thrift shop going — just to keep the doors open — because churches are closing everywhere,” said Nancy Gray, a regular volunteer at the thrift shop. “They can’t afford to stay open because people are not coming, so therefore there’s no pledges.”
Beyond religious services, churches often provide services for the underserved. First United Methodist assembles United Methodist Committee on Relief Kits, which supply essentials to people affected by disasters. Kathy Buckley, chairperson of the thrift shop and a parishioner, said the store assists in times of local need.
“We do help the community when there’s a tragedy, [like] a house fire,” Buckley said. “People would go in and we would let them shop for gratis. We like to serve the community.”
The church also supported residents after Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Gray said volunteers often recognize when someone needs extra help.
“You get a sense when someone really needs something you know,” Gray said. “Those people are precious so we just make sure they have whatever they need and one of us will give a wave to whoever the cashier is.”
The church’s second floor hosts several weekly meetings, including Alcoholics Anonymous and Gamblers Anonymous. Large windows brighten tables often filled with an overflow of merchandise from the thrift shop — Easter and St. Patrick’s Day decorations this time of year, and Christmas trees during the holiday season.
“I have a soft spot for the groups.” Gray said. “I love the idea that a guy can be sitting here, and he’s here for his meeting, and then he’ll see a Christmas tree — something that he can take home and he can afford it.”
The shop has operated for about two decades. Gray joined 17 years ago and helped transform it from a room of clothes stacked on tables into an organized, color-coded store. Buckley joined a few years later. The shop is open Tuesdays and Thursdays and select Saturdays in the spring. On busy days, additional volunteers help staff the register and assist customers.
“I never hesitate to come in, but I didn’t plan [to today] because the weather and I have to be somewhere, but I’m glad I passed because they even have a sale today,” said Doina Landres, a frequent patron.
The shop is currently offering 50 percent off wearable items through mid-March to clear inventory for spring. Gray said donations can sometimes line up halfway down the store. Extra clothing is donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island.
“It’s a constant giving and receiving,” Landres said. “The community is giving you a little and you are giving back by supporting the church. It has a lot of services that help the community.”
