Thrift Shoppe History

Wilmer Kraybill had a vision!

The Morgantown ReUzit Shoppe began with a vision — one rooted in compassion and community.

Wilmer Kraybill had a deep desire to help those in need, both locally and globally. For years, he searched for a suitable building and rallied others to join him in creating a thrift shop under the umbrella of MCC (Mennonite Central Committee), with the goal of raising funds to support humanitarian efforts around the world. He partnered with David Hoover of East Earl, and together they began shaping a plan.

On May 21, 1996, a community meeting was held at Conestoga Mennonite Church, where the Shoppe is now located. MCC representatives and local supporters gathered to discuss the vision. From that meeting, a Board was formed, and by February 11, 1997, a steering committee announced that Mary Lois Stoltzfus would serve as the Shoppe’s first full-time manager. Jane Stoltzfus joined as a pre-sorter and assistant manager three days a week.

The Board officially organized on February 25, 1997, with:

• David Hoover – Chairman

• Jay Martin – Assistant Chairman

• Dawn Fox – Secretary

• Mark Yoder – Treasurer

• Additional members: Mervin Weiler, Mary Ann Leaman, Wilmer Kraybill, Leon Brown, Tom Yoder, Diane Pechart, Joyce Horning, and Betty Esh — many representing local Mennonite churches.

The original building — a stone house east of the church — was filled with tires up to the ceiling. Volunteers transformed it inside and out, even removing plaster from the stone walls. Brenda Wagner played a key role in helping Mary Lois launch the Shoppe, with support from friends at the New Holland Shoppe and donations from Souderton ReUzit.

After recruiting volunteers, the Morgantown ReUzit Shoppe officially opened on April 7, 1997. Jay Martin’s diary noted: “April 7 was a bit over $300.00, and the second day was a little over $400.”

Mary Lois retired after 2½ years to get married, and in September 1999, volunteer Barb Weiman stepped in as Manager, bringing her heart for missions and MCC.

As the Shoppe grew, Conestoga Mennonite Church built a new building and rented the old one to the Shoppe for $800/month. In 2009, the Shoppe celebrated a major milestone — $1 million in donations to MCC.

With space overflowing, the basement was renovated for workers, and the main floor became fully retail. In April 2010, the Shoppe reopened with expanded space.

Barb Weiman was supported by assistant managers including Jane Stoltzfus, Mary Ann Leaman, Brenda Kurtz, and Jen Leaman. Later additions included Debra Hertzler, Karen Hertzler, Sharon Stoltzfus, and Pat Gascho.

After Barb’s resignation in July 2012, Karen Porter became General Manager until February 2014, supported by Pat Gascho, Austin Unruh, Donna Conkey, Lori Frisco, and Sharon Stoltzfus.

In April 2014, Lori Frisco took over as General Manager. Between 2014 and 2020, the Shoppe saw major improvements:

• Warehouse addition (2016–17)

• Sewer upgrades (2018–19)

• Shelf building, office renovations, LED lighting

• New blacktop and a security system installed by Dave Myers

After Lori’s departure in 2019, Sara Wisler became General Manager, serving until 2021. Then longtime Board member Jen Leighton stepped in, serving until July 2022.

Deb DiMascio joined as General Manager in August 2022 and served until 2023. That same year, we welcomed and later retired Mazie Furness and Leslie Turley, both of whom brought warmth and dedication to the Shoppe.

As of April 2025, we are proud to welcome our current General Manager, Elijah Perry, who continues to lead with heart and vision.