by Gina Mazza
In the heart of Sharpsburg, one nonprofit is transforming lives not only through its dedication to helping area residents in need, but by serving as a vital hub for older adults seeking connection and meaningful contribution.
Founded in 2019 by Bonnie DeMotte, Second Harvest emerged after the closure of the local St. Vincent de Paul thrift store left many without affordable essentials. Drawing from her experience as former vice president of Backpack for Hunger, which supports food-insecure students in the Fox Chapel Area School District, DeMotte mobilized nearly 400 individuals, foundations and businesses to launch the Community Thrift Store in March 2021. The venture quickly became self-sustaining and has generated more than $2 million in revenue to date. After a local diner and bakery shuttered, the nonprofit expanded in early 2026 with Harvest on Main Community Market, which addresses food insecurity with healthy groceries, prepared meals and a commercial kitchen.
“Our organization’s mission is to meet the material and relational needs of local residents, while emphasizing sustainability and social responsibility, like turning donated goods into opportunities for neighbors,” DeMotte comments. “Our milestones include creating 10 full-time living-wage jobs with benefits, reducing carbon emissions equivalent to planting over 1,500 trees, and reinvesting more than $150,000 in profits into local grants.”
Volunteer Opportunities Tailored to Seniors
Volunteers are the backbone of Second Harvest’s initiatives. They come from all walks of life and no experience is required, only a willingness to help. Shifts are typically from 9 to 11 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“The majority of our volunteers are retired seniors,” explains Volunteer Coordinator Kelly Gere, who also serves as Director of Operations at the Community Thrift Store. “Our oldest volunteer is also our most regular. In her late 80s, Sue comes three times a week to help us tag clothes and even takes home ‘homework’ to tag accessories while she watches TV at night. We can accommodate for any age or ability. Some of our senior volunteers have physical limitations in their hands or mobility issues, so we make sure they have tasks they are able to comfortably do.” One example includes a couple of seniors who gather every Friday to bag jewelry in a comfortable seated workshop area, thereby avoiding standing at the workstations.
“Many of the volunteers leverage lifelong skills, such as testing electronics by our retired electrical engineer volunteer, or curating our book and media selection by a retired librarian,” Gere adds. “Or, someone with a love of shoes or purses can become a ‘specialist’ who researches and prices the accessories they love the most. Again, we always aim to match volunteers with the job they are best at and have the most interest in.”
Second Harvest’s Three Main Initiatives
The nonprofit’s three main strategic initiatives are:
Community Thrift Store: Located at 624 Clay Street, the store offers gently used clothing, household items, furniture, and more at affordable prices. Donated goods are sorted, priced, and sold, with proceeds reinvested into community support. High-value items like jewelry or art are evaluated by specialists for maximum impact. Volunteers play a crucial role here, handling everything from intake and organization to customer service. Their work not only reduces waste by giving pre-loved items a second life but also creates a welcoming space for shoppers, many of whom face economic challenges.
Harvest on Main Community Market provides healthy, affordable groceries, prepared meals, and staples, filling a gap left by limited local options. Volunteers are essential in stocking shelves, preparing food, and maintaining the market’s inviting atmosphere.
Community Free Fridge, Freezer, and Pantry: Available 24/7 and 365 days a year outside the thrift store, this initiative offers free access to fresh and frozen foods, pantry staples, and non-food items like hygiene products. Operating on a “take what you need, leave what you don’t” model, it promotes dignity and anonymity for those in need. Volunteers are vital for restocking, organizing donations, and ensuring the space remains clean and accessible. “A retired couple on our volunteer roster, for instance, picks up near-expired stock from Trader Joe’s every Sunday for distribution in the parking lot and restocking the pantry,” Gere points out.
Second Harvest further serves as a social lifeline by hosting a Senior Breakfast on the first and third Wednesday of each month. “We cook a hot meal and provide coffee and tea for the seniors of the community,” Gere explains. Even on non-cooking weeks, the same group gathers for conversation, taking turns baking coffee cake to share.
As demand for Second Harvest’s initiatives grows, especially amid current economic pressures, the role of volunteers like Sue, 88, has never been more important. “I was so excited to see the store being built and needed something to do to get me out of the house,” she explains, “so I called Bonnie right away to volunteer. I love the people, I love the work, and I love having somewhere to go and something to do.”
For those inspired to support Second Harvest, call (412) 252-2364 or email info@second-harvest.com. Visit them at 624 Clay Street, Sharpsburg, PA 15215, or follow @secondharvest on Instagram for updates. Donations, volunteer sign-ups and more information are available at second-harvest.com.