Located at 938 W. Maple St. in Hartville, Ohio, the Hartville Thrift Shoppe is an independent, nonprofit thrift store governed by a Board of Directors representing local area churches. As part of a larger network of MCC-affiliated thrift shops, we contribute to a global mission while staying rooted in our local community.
By donating gently used items, our supporters help reduce landfill waste and extend the life of valuable goods. Our dedicated volunteers and staff receive, process, and present these donations for resale — making quality merchandise available at affordable prices for our customers. This low-cost, volunteer-driven model enables us to give generously to the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), where every dollar supports relief, development, and peace efforts across the globe.
To financially support the mission of Mennonite Central Committee through the dedication of volunteers and staff by accepting quality donations and making them available at an affordable price.
MCC was formed in 1920 to provide food for families suffering from famine and disease in southern Russia (present-day Ukraine). They soon expanded their mission to other areas of the world, and currently serve in over 45 countries, including the US. In 2020, MCC celebrated their 100th anniversary of sharing God’s love and compassion around the world.
Local women, supported by area churches, opened The Thrift House at 1323 Edison Street. The shop sold both thrift and self-help goods. Volunteers worked Tuesdays and Thursdays, and the store was open Monday through Saturday.
Leaders began discussing the need for a larger, more suitable space as the original building showed signs of wear.
The store moved to a newly constructed building on land donated by HRM Sr., who leased it for free for 50 years. The $62,000 construction loan was fully repaid by 1986.
Beech Mennonite and Stoner Heights Mennonite joined as supporting churches and provided board members.
The store was renamed The Gift and Thrift Shoppe to better reflect its offerings.
10,000 Villages, the gift/self-help portion of the store, relocated to the Hartville MarketPlace.
The store address changed due to annexation.
The store doubled its retail space and celebrated the grand reopening in mid-July.
The store adopted its current name: Hartville Thrift Shoppe.
The 10,000 Villages shop officially closed, ending a significant chapter in the store’s history.
HTS moved to its current location, expanding from 10,000 to 25,000 sq. ft.
Phil Stauffer joined as Executive Director, and donation volume doubled despite shortened hours.
The store closed for 9 weeks due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Event Center was opened and housewares were moved there, increasing total space to 28,000 sq. ft.
HTS reached a major milestone — donating $1 million in a single year to Mennonite Central Committee for the first time.
HTS gave $1 million to MCC each year in 2022 and 2023, increasing to $1.4 million in 2024 — a record high.
HTS purchased the rest of its building (including the Front Porch Cafe) and the neighboring property, expanding to 37,316 sq. ft. and planning significant renovations for 2026.
Faith: It is because of our faith that the Thrift Shoppe exists, our faith drives us to our mission, and it is Faith that continues to direct our steps.
Family: We care for each other: volunteers, staff, customers, and donors.
Fun: We make our work fun, we have fun together, and we have fun with our customers and donors.
Flexibility: Grit, willingness to serve, do whatever it takes to get it done, perseverance
Photo Credit: Andrew Eicher Photography
Hartville Thrift Shoppe is led by Executive Director Phil Stauffer, who brings over 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience and a strong commitment to inclusive, mission-driven teamwork. Since 2012, Phil has helped shape a vision rooted in service, stewardship, and community.
Our work is also guided by a dedicated Board of Directors made up of representatives from partnering Stark County churches — each of whom shares in our faith-driven mission to serve others locally and globally. Together, this leadership team ensures that our operations reflect our values and our ongoing support of MCC’s worldwide efforts.
Board Chair, Maple Grove Mennonite Church
Vice Chair, Maple Grove Mennonite Church
Treasurer, Cornerstone Community Chapel
Cornerstone Community Chapel
Beech Mennonite Church
Bethany Mennonite Church
Bethany Mennonite Church
Secretary, Beech Mennonite Church
Evermore Community Church
We’re proud to give back to our volunteers by supporting church-related service opportunities like Mennonite Disaster Service, REACH, and SALT. Volunteers or their sponsors may apply for a service grant to help make this work possible.
