Friends of Caroline Thrift Store in Charleston

What Friends of Caroline Offers

Friends of Caroline is a thrift store in Charleston's historic district that sells donated clothing, furniture, books, and household goods at low prices. The store is run by volunteers and staffed by people in job-training programs, so your purchases directly support workforce development in the community. Everything in the store comes from donations, which means inventory changes constantly—you might find a vintage coat one week and a set of dining chairs the next.

The store operates as a nonprofit fundraiser, with proceeds going to Caroline House, a Charleston organization that provides housing and support services to women and families experiencing homelessness. When you shop at Friends of Caroline, you're buying secondhand items while contributing to housing programs that serve people in your city.

Key Takeaways

• Friends of Caroline is located in downtown Charleston and sells clothing, furniture, books, and household goods donated by the community.
• The store employs people in job-training programs, so your purchase supports workforce development alongside charitable giving.
• All proceeds fund Caroline House programs that provide housing and support to women and families experiencing homelessness.
• Inventory rotates constantly because everything comes from donations, so regular visits often turn up different items.
• The store accepts donations during business hours, and volunteers can contact the organization directly about getting involved.

Location and Hours

Friends of Caroline is located at 87 Society Street in Charleston's downtown historic district, within walking distance of the waterfront and other shops. The store is open Tuesday through Saturday, though hours may shift seasonally or for special events, so calling ahead or checking their social media pages before your visit is a good idea.

Parking in the historic district can be tight, especially on weekends. Street parking is available nearby, and several paid lots are within a short walk. The store itself is accessible from the street level, making it easy to browse even if you're carrying items.

What You'll Find There

The store stocks clothing for men, women, and children across all seasons, ranging from everyday wear to formal pieces. You'll also find furniture—chairs, tables, dressers, and smaller pieces rotate through regularly. Books cover many genres, and household items include kitchenware, decorative objects, linens, and sometimes electronics or appliances.

Because donations drive inventory, you won't find the same items every visit. Regular shoppers often return weekly to catch new arrivals. Prices are significantly lower than retail, and the quality varies—some items are nearly new, while others show wear. The store does not price items uniformly, so similar items may cost different amounts depending on condition and demand.

Donating Items to the Store

Friends of Caroline accepts donations of clothing, furniture, books, and household goods during business hours. Items should be clean and in usable condition—the store cannot accept items that are stained, broken, or unsafe. If you have large furniture pieces, call ahead to confirm they have space and can accept what you're bringing.

Donations are tax-deductible, and the store can provide a receipt. Volunteers sort and price all donations, so your items help fund the job-training program that employs store staff. If you have questions about whether a specific item is acceptable, calling the store directly is faster than showing up with a full load.

Supporting Caroline House Through Shopping

Every dollar spent at Friends of Caroline supports Caroline House's mission to provide stable housing and wraparound services to women and families experiencing homelessness in Charleston. The organization offers transitional housing, case management, job training, and mental health support. By shopping at the thrift store, you're funding programs that help people move from crisis to stability.

The store itself is part of that mission—many staff members are participants in Caroline House's job-training program, gaining work experience and employment skills while earning income. Shopping there means you're supporting both the immediate charitable work and the longer-term goal of helping people build self-sufficiency.

Volunteering at Friends of Caroline

The store runs entirely on volunteer labor plus job-training participants. If you're interested in volunteering—whether sorting donations, working the register, or helping with displays—you can contact Caroline House directly to learn about available shifts and training. Volunteers typically commit to a regular schedule, whether that's one shift a week or more.

Volunteering at Friends of Caroline is a way to stay connected to the community while supporting housing and workforce programs. The work is straightforward and social, and you'll meet other people invested in Charleston's nonprofit sector.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return or exchange items I bought at Friends of Caroline?

Return and exchange policies vary by thrift store. Call Friends of Caroline directly at the store to ask about their specific policy before making a purchase. Most thrift stores have limited return windows since items are one-of-a-kind and priced to move quickly.

Do you accept donations of worn-out clothing or broken furniture?

No. Items must be clean and in usable condition. Broken furniture, stained clothing, and unsafe items cannot be sold and create extra work for volunteers. If you're unsure whether something is acceptable, call ahead rather than bringing it in.

What happens to donations that don't sell?

Policies vary, but most thrift stores donate unsold items to other charities, textile recyclers, or waste facilities. Call the store to ask what happens to items that don't move within a certain timeframe.

Is there a senior discount or other pricing discount?

Discount policies depend on the store's current practices. Call Friends of Caroline to ask whether they offer discounts for seniors, students, or other groups, or whether they run sales on specific days.

Can I shop online or order items from Friends of Caroline?

Most thrift stores operate in-person only because inventory changes constantly and items sell quickly. Check their website or social media to see whether they've added online shopping, but expect to visit the store in person to browse and purchase.