Winter Park Benefit ShopEst. 1935 · Winter Park, FL
Ninety Years of Giving Back — 1935–2025

Every donation
becomes someone’s
second chance.

The Winter Park Benefit Shop is an all-volunteer thrift store that has raised money for local children’s and family charities since 1935. Every dollar collected goes directly to charity — no exceptions, ninety years running.

A curated shelf of donated fine china, crystal, and collectibles inside the Winter Park Benefit Shop. Inside the Shop — Harper Street
1935
Founded
10
Charities Served
100%
Proceeds to Charity
All
Volunteer Run

Our Story

A ninety-year record of neighbors helping neighbors, one donated item at a time.
More than a century ago, Mrs. Charles Morse gathered people in her home to help those whose means and conditions made complete self‑support an impossibility.

Today the Winter Park Benefit Shop, an all-volunteer organization, continues this mission by raising money for local charities committed to meeting the needs of children and families through the sale of donated items.

All money collected goes directly to charities. No overhead, no salaries — just neighbors sorting, pricing, and selling what other neighbors no longer need, so that ten local charities can keep doing their work.

Nine Decades,
One Mission

From a living-room gathering in 1917 to a purpose-built home in 2025.
1917

The Welfare Association forms

Mrs. Charles Morse forms the Winter Park Welfare Association to coordinate community aid — the seed from which the Benefit Shop would grow.

1935

The Benefit Shop is born

Mrs. Edward Spurr of the Woman’s Club of Winter Park proposes a shop selling donated used clothing at reasonable prices. The Shop soon supplies clothing, food, and medical devices identified by state welfare workers.

1930s

Depression-era community building

The Shop helps establish a local health clinic at Winter Park Elementary School and Winter Park’s first employment agency.

1946

A permanent home on Lyman Street

After years in borrowed, temporary spaces, a White Elephant Sale and Buy-A-Brick campaign fund a permanent home at 151 W. Lyman Street — built in just 12 weeks, on plans donated by architect James Gamble Rogers.

1963

Formal incorporation

The Winter Park Benefit Shop formally incorporates.

1972

Land deeded back to the City

An agreement deeds the Lyman Street land back to the City of Winter Park; the Shop continues operating as long as its civic work continues.

2006

A new home in the old City Jail

The City relocates the Shop into the former City Jail building, where it operates for the next two decades.

2024–25

The community rallies

A lease expiration threatens closure. The community rallies; the City Commission approves a new 5-year lease and moves the Shop to Lake Island Hall.

May 2025

Grand opening at Harper Street

Grand opening of the expanded, roughly 2,000-square-foot Benefit Shop at 450 Harper Street — the Shop’s new home for the next chapter.

With Gratitude — Early Supporters
Mrs. Charles Morse
Dr. George M. Ward
Architect James Gamble Rogers
Elected City Officials
The Ideal Woman’s Club
The Woman’s Club of Winter Park
The University Club
Local Churches
Local Businesses
Mrs. George Kraft
Kiwanis Club
Being part of the original shop has been such a meaningful experience, and it’s heartwarming to see its legacy live on through the friendships—both old and new—that continue today. Roberta · Orlando, FL
The Winter Park Benefit Shop has been a lifesaver to me as a volunteer (also a recent retiree) with the wonderful community and staff that support children and families. Susan B. · Orlando, FL
I’ve been volunteering at this shop for 14 years, and it has truly been a joy… The people are so kind and helpful. I’m truly grateful to have such a special place in Winter Park. Louise · Winter Park, FL

Plan Your Visit

Cash only, two days a week — and worth the trip.
01

Location

Lake Island Hall

450 Harper Street

Winter Park, FL 32789

02

Hours

Friday & Saturday

9:30 AM – 2:00 PM

Closed Sunday–Thursday

03

Payment

Cash only

No cards, please plan ahead

04

Get in Touch

(407) 691-7888

Email the Shop

Where the Money Goes

Ten local charities, one hundred percent of proceeds. This is the whole point of the Shop.
01

Winter Park Day Nursery

Founded 1939 — affordable early childhood education for local families.

02

Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida

Millions of meals distributed yearly via mobile pantries and school programs.

03

Russell Home for Atypical Children

24-hour care, therapies, and enrichment for children and adults with special needs.

04

Orlando Rescue Mission

Shelter, meals, and rehabilitation programs since 1948.

05

House of Hope Orlando

Life-skills training, counseling, and education for teens and young adults.

06

Harbor House of Central Florida

Shelter, advocacy, and prevention education for survivors of domestic violence.

07

Freedom Ride

Therapeutic horseback riding for children and adults with disabilities.

08

Christian Service Center of Central Florida

Food, clothing, and financial aid for families in crisis.

09

Family Promise of Greater Orlando

Temporary housing and case management to keep families together.

10

Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida

Safe after-school mentorship and leadership programs.

Volunteer With Us

The Shop is entirely volunteer-run. No retail experience required — training provided.
01

Customer Service & Checkout

Greet shoppers, work the register, and help customers find what they’re looking for.

02

Sorting & Pricing Donations

Evaluate incoming donations and price them fairly for the sales floor.

03

Stocking & Displays

Keep the shop looking sharp with fresh merchandising and thoughtful displays.

04

Community Events

Help run sales, fundraisers, and special community events throughout the year.

Flexible shifts are available Monday through Saturday, 9 AM – 6 PM. Stop by the store, leave your contact information, and we’ll get you a Volunteer Packet.

Get the Volunteer Packet