Celebrating Under the Tree 

Wilmington area ministry has a unique retail operation that offers low-cost clothing and merchandise while also providing jobs and training for area residents transitioning from prison, homelessness, abuse and recovery. 

Found both online and with a physical location on Princess Place Drive, the Bargain Box of Wilmington is a nonprofit resale clothing and household goods store. The outreach was established in 2000 by the Church of the Servant, an Episcopal congregation. Items not sold through the resale store are distributed to three partner agencies. 

Along with local officials, the ministry will celebrate the store’s 22nd anniversary on May 21, 2022, inside and out front under its significant live oak tree. 

“The celebration will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Bargain Box building behind Church’s Chicken,” says Cathy Smith, Advisory Board member. “Inside the store, shoppers will find a 25 percent off sale on all clothing, and outside under the ‘Bargain Box Oak’ a special shopping prize will go to the one who comes closest to guessing the tree’s age. The day’s celebrations will include ‘happy anniversary’ appearances by local celebrities, nonprofit partners, and guests, as well as refreshments and music by Jerry Surprise.”

Since its founding, the ministry has provided $104,500 to a variety of local nonprofit community organizations in direct funding and grants. Eighteen schools in New Hanover County receive Bargain Bucks, which entitle the bearer to shop in the store as well as in the ministry’s free clothing bins.