Do Good, Go Shopping

Tapped out by holiday spending but still have the itch to shop?

Try the Nearly New Shop at Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church. Not only is everything over $1 on sale at 75 percent off, every penny you spend benefits Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center through the Muhlenberg Auxiliary.


Hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. The shop is tucked under the church in a basement space on the Watchung Avenue side, off East Seventh Street. Look for the signboard near the stairway down to the shop.


The shop has clothing, accessories, household items and little treasures that attract collectors as well as bargain hunters.

On Wednesday, volunteers were sorting and pricing goods and even snapping up some finds for themselves. Volunteer Margaret Johnson opened her purse to buy an unusual apron made of gingham and floral prints as this writer, an apron fan, covetously looked on.


Johnson said all the items are donated and all the work is done by volunteers. The money raised is turned over to the Auxiliary for special causes at the hospital, such as nursing school scholarships.


The shop has changed locations over the years and has been at the church for about five years now, she said.

“We take in everything except furniture,” Johnson said


Donations are always welcome. Right now the shop is a bit overstocked, giving rise to the sale.

While chock-full of sales items, the shop could use a few more volunteers.

Johnson and Virginia Doren, both of Dunellen, and Margot Lame of Watchung staffed the shop Wednesday. Volunteers must commit to a certain number of hours per week, usually at least half a day. “Being nice with people” is the main requirement, Johnson said.

For more information or to volunteer, call (908) 226-8352.

--Bernice Paglia