The Cancer Thrift Store of Beaufort: Where Shopping Supports Local Care

What the Cancer Thrift Store is and what it funds

The Cancer Thrift Store of Beaufort is a consignment shop on Lady's Island that sells donated furniture, clothing, books, and household goods. All proceeds go to the Beaufort Cancer Center, a nonprofit that provides free or reduced-cost cancer treatment and support services to patients in the Lowcountry who cannot pay for care out of pocket.

The store operates as a working thrift shop—you browse and buy like you would anywhere else—but every dollar spent there funds oncology services at the center. The Beaufort Cancer Center uses the money to cover chemotherapy, radiation, surgery consultations, and patient support programs including counseling and transportation assistance for people traveling to treatment appointments.

Shopping there means you're buying secondhand goods at typical thrift prices while directly supporting cancer care for uninsured and underinsured patients in Beaufort, Jasper, and Hampton counties. The store has been a fixture in the community for years and relies entirely on donations and volunteer labor to keep overhead low.

Key Takeaways

• The Cancer Thrift Store is located on Lady's Island and sells furniture, clothing, books, and household items donated by the community.
• All money from sales goes directly to the Beaufort Cancer Center to fund free and reduced-cost cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay.
• The store accepts donations of gently used items and relies on volunteers to sort, price, and sell merchandise.
• You can shop there during regular business hours, or call ahead to ask about specific items or donation drop-off times.

What you'll find when you shop there

The store carries rotating inventory of furniture—sofas, dining tables, dressers, bookcases—along with kitchen items, lamps, artwork, and decorative pieces. Clothing includes men's, women's, and children's wear, and the book section tends to be substantial, with fiction, nonfiction, and local interest titles. Prices are marked individually on each item and are typically lower than you'd pay at chain thrift stores.

Because inventory depends on donations, what's in stock changes week to week. If you're looking for something specific—a particular size, style, or type of furniture—calling ahead can save you a trip. Staff can tell you what's currently available or let you know when new donations have come in.

How to donate items to the store

The store accepts donations of gently used furniture, clothing, books, and household goods. Items should be clean and in working condition. Large furniture pieces can often be picked up if you call to arrange it, though policies may vary depending on current volunteer availability and storage space.

To donate, you can drop items off during business hours or call ahead to discuss what you have and whether pickup is possible. The store staff can tell you what they're currently accepting, since storage space is limited and some items (like electronics or large appliances) may not be taken depending on the time of year.

The Beaufort Cancer Center and what it does

The Beaufort Cancer Center is a nonprofit oncology practice that treats cancer patients regardless of their ability to pay. The center provides chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgical consultations, and supportive care services like counseling and nutritional guidance. Many patients come from rural areas of the Lowcountry where specialized cancer treatment isn't available locally.

The center also helps patients navigate transportation, a major barrier for people undergoing treatment in a region where many live far from the hospital. By funding these services through the thrift store and other community support, the center removes financial obstacles that might otherwise force patients to delay or skip treatment.

Hours, location, and how to contact them

The Cancer Thrift Store is located on Lady's Island in Beaufort. For current hours, directions, and information about donations or specific items, contact the store directly by phone. Hours may vary seasonally or if volunteer staffing changes, so calling ahead is a good idea before making a trip.

You can also reach the Beaufort Cancer Center directly if you have questions about the services they provide or want to learn more about how the thrift store supports their work. Staff can answer questions about both shopping and donating.

Why the thrift store model works for cancer care funding

Thrift stores keep overhead costs low because they rely on donated goods and volunteer labor. This means nearly every dollar from a sale can go directly to patient care rather than toward rent, utilities, or staff salaries. The model also builds community connection—people who shop there know their money is staying local and helping neighbors.

For a nonprofit cancer center serving uninsured patients, this kind of steady, community-based funding is more reliable than grant money alone. The thrift store creates a sustainable revenue stream that doesn't depend on a single donor or government program. It also gives people a tangible way to support cancer care without writing a check—they can simply shop and know they're helping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy furniture online or have items delivered?

The Cancer Thrift Store operates as a physical location on Lady's Island where you shop in person. For information about whether they offer delivery on large items or any online ordering options, call the store directly. Policies may have changed, and staff can tell you what's currently available.

What happens to items that don't sell?

Unsold items are typically donated to other charities, recycled, or disposed of responsibly. The store doesn't keep inventory indefinitely due to space limits. If you're concerned about a specific donation, ask staff about their process when you drop items off.

Do I get a tax deduction for donating items?

The Beaufort Cancer Center is a nonprofit, so donations may be tax-deductible. Keep records of what you donate and ask for a receipt when you drop items off. Consult a tax professional about whether your donation qualifies for a deduction based on your individual situation.

Can I volunteer at the thrift store?

The store relies on volunteers to sort, price, and sell merchandise. Contact the Beaufort Cancer Center or the thrift store directly to ask about volunteer opportunities. They can tell you about current needs and how to get involved.

Does the Beaufort Cancer Center treat all types of cancer?

The center provides oncology services including chemotherapy and radiation therapy. For specific information about which cancers they treat or whether they handle specialized cases, contact the center directly. They can discuss your situation and let you know what services they offer.