The Greenville Junior League’s Nearly New Shop is an unassuming resale store tucked in between Pleasantburg Drive and Laurens Road.
But its purpose dwarfs its modest footprint.
The shop helps to fund programs that benefit the community, from promoting economic mobility to ending human trafficking. And this year it’s on track to have its highest revenue in more than seven decades — about $460,000, according to the group’s immediate past president.
“This was one of the best years ever,” said Heath Beard, immediate past president. “And that allows us to put more funds into the community.”
Revenue from the shop helps fund programs provided by the league’s partner agencies — Jasmine Road, Julie Valentine Center, The Family Effect, Pendleton Place, SWITCH and United Ministries. “We believe … bringing everyone together at one table is the best way to make a difference,” said Beard. “It makes a longer lasting and generational change in Greenville.”
The shop, at 118 Greenacre Road, offers gently used quality clothing for women, men and children as well as jewelry, accessories and housewares donated by members, the public and local stores, she said.
“It’s a direct link to the community,” said Amy St. John, former Nearly New Shop Committee chair. “It’s also a place for people come and shop and find some incredible items at very reasonable prices.”
For example, she said women with economic challenges can find clothing suitable for job interviews and work, from an outfit to shoes and jewelry. The shop is also the starting point for the extensive training the league provides, with new members volunteering there, St. John said.
They might sort donations, design window displays and assist customers on the floor, she said. And they get to know the community, she said, adding there’s always an opportunity to grow.
Other league projects include an annual conference called Empowered Women, which targets wellness, career, financial literacy and more while highlighting the group’s mission to promote voluntarism, improve community, and develop the potential of women. The league has more than 1,100 members but looks to attract new ones each year at events where new recruits can learn about the group.
Among them, said new President Kimberly Witherspoon, will be a game night and an ice cream social at headquarters the week of June 20.
“It’s an opportunity for women who are interested in learning about the league,” she said, “and it’s an opportunity for us to share with people why we join and why we stay.”
The group will also host a Junior League Night at the Drive on July 26 for members and their families, she said. Witherspoon said her vision for the year is to continue the work of the league over its 93-year history.
“We have been instrumental in founding and helping to fund lots of seminal organizations, such as Pendleton Place in 1975 … to provide a transition home for children in precarious positions,” she said. “And building on our foundation to reach more women in the Greenville community.”
Along with service to the community, the Junior League is a place where members can make friends and have fun, especially women new to the area, Beard said.
“It’s a great way to get involved,” she said, “and get to know the people and the community.” “I have found some of my closest friends who have been instrumental in good times and bad times,” adds Witherspoon. “And I want that for other women.”
To learn more, go to jlgreenville.org/join.
