Our History
From 1988 to Now: Our Story of Impact
Second Chance Thrift Shop was founded in November 1988 by Ms. Pat Zimmerman and a group of individuals, including many from HELP of Summerville, who were passionate about helping those in need in Summerville.
The organization received $6,600 in seed money from the Saul Alexander Foundation and the Trident Community Foundation to open the store.
The shop’s first location opened on December 8th at 409 North Main Street in Summerville and was staffed by 50 volunteers working 140 hours per week. The average annual sales in 1988 were $20,000, which allowed the organization to
donate $11,400 that year to two organizations: HELP of Summerville and the Dorchester Human Development Board, Inc. (DHDB)
First Store Location
409 North Main Street, Summerville, SC
By 1998, Second Chance instituted a voucher support program to serve the community. Through partnerships with other nonprofits in Summerville, the vouchers are distributed to those in need so they may purchase clothing and household items in the shop. In 2024, 156 vouchers were redeemed in the store.
In 2013, Second Chance celebrated 25 years in business. This quarter century anniversary realized a cumulative total of more than $400,000 granted to local nonprofits.
2013 grant recipients: Meals on Wheels of Summerville, Palmetto House, Medical Outreach, and HELP of Summerville.
In 2017, Second Chance moved to its third, and current, location on Bacons Bridge Road. The current location includes a 3,200 square foot retail store and a 1,400 square foot donation center.
In 2024, Second Chance awarded $230,000 to 16 deserving nonprofit organizations in the Summerville community.
A Second Life for Goods.
A Second Chance for People.
At Second Chance, every donation matters. Every customer matters. Every volunteer matters. Together, we’re building a stronger, more compassionate Summerville—one second chance at a time.
