Giving Back

Businesses giving back to their local community is a simple idea with a profound impact

GIVING back has always been in style. In Ocean City, there’s been a trend lately that takes giving back to a new level. Businesses throughout town support the local community by sharing some or all their proceeds to a cause of choice. While some shops contribute to one charity, others use their earnings on a case-by-case basis depending on what is needed at the time. No matter how big the donation, another need becomes met all because one person or organization wants to make a difference; this is the heart of Ocean City.
A quick drive over the 9th Street or 34th Street Bridge, and you’ll find Shore Memorial Thrift, which has locations in Marmora and Somers Point. Shore Memorial Thrift sells various donated items from clothing to housewares and everything in between in gently used condition. The shop started through the Women’s Auxiliary group at Shore Medical Center and has branched out since.
The staffing of Shore Memorial Thrift is made up of Auxiliary members and volunteers, and 100 percent of proceeds go straight to Shore Medical Center. Revenue is used for whatever the hospital may need from supplies to projects. Donations can be dropped Wednesdays through Saturdays from 11am to 2pm.
Second Chance Boutique’s mission is “Give to the one who begs from you and does not refuse the one who would borrow from you.” In 2009, Second Chance was founded by Cornerstone Community Church as a simple way to give back to the community. Whether someone needs funds or a family needs groceries, Second Chance Boutique is there to help. The church does not keep a dime and turns it all back to the needs of those around them. Donations can be accepted Monday through Saturday from 11am to 4pm. Second Chance sells clothing, books, gifts, furniture, housewares, and more and is located at 801 Asbury Avenue. They check items for condition, cleanliness, and quality before they go up for sale.
Oh Sea Thrift is one of the newer shops on the island, opening in 2021 by Donna Kelly. This Central Avenue shop sells everything from furniture to clothes to housewares to décor. When you shop there, all proceeds benefit local animals, specifically at the Humane Society of Ocean City. Oh Sea Thrift also helps promote the animals at Humane Society of Ocean City on their Facebook page to help get them adopted. Whether it be sending monetary donations to shelters or promoting ready-to-adopt pets on their page, Oh Sea Thrift is making an impact for our local furbabies.
Another shop helping our four-legged friends is Mew to You, on Asbury Avenue. Mew to You opened 16 years ago by Judy Cantin, who is the current store director. Judy wanted to help cats who were on the streets or in kill shelters and make a better life for them; this is how Mew to You began.
“Many cats needed medical help or needed to be adopted,” said Judy.
All revenue from Mew to You goes back to supporting Judy’s vision of helping the cat community. Everyone who works at the store is a volunteer, and all supplies are donated.
“Proceeds benefit CAPE Atlantic Cats,” said Judy.
Cape Atlantic CATS is a cat rescue organization. CATS stands for Citizens Altering the Strays and the goal of the organization is to help get homeless cats off the streets. CAPE Atlantic Cats also helps nurse sick cats back to health, then places them up for adoption. Once you adopt a cat, you can then head over to Mew to You for all your furry friend’s needs. Visit www.capeatlanticcats.com for more information on the organization, donations, and volunteering.
Two other shops giving back to the community are Bastazo Thrift at 9th & Asbury and St. Damien’s Thrift Shop at 914 Haven.
No matter the type of shop or how much is given back, these and other members of the businesses company are stepping up to support the community. From getting people on their feet to urgent needs like medical supplies, these organizations help meet the needs of those around them. They say it is better to give than to receive, and that’s a trend that will never go away.