The Winter Park Benefit Shop is an all-volunteer thrift store that turns gently used donations into real support for local children and families. Every single dollar we raise goes straight to charity.
Lake Island Hall · 450 Harper St.
More than a century ago, Mrs. Charles Morse gathered people in her home to form an organization to help people in our community whose means and conditions made complete self-support an impossibility. Today, the Benefit Shop continues that mission — raising money for local charities committed to children and families through the sale of donated items. Every dollar collected goes directly to our charities.
A welcoming place to donate, shop, and volunteer — affordable clothing, home décor, and unique finds for the whole community.
We price responsibly and operate transparently, so donated items turn into meaningful funding, not waste.
Guests, donors, and volunteers alike are treated with respect — it's the spirit that's carried this Shop for 90 years.
In 1917, Mrs. Charles Morse gathered Winter Park residents to form the Winter Park Welfare Association — an umbrella group coordinating aid for the community's most vulnerable citizens, at a time when few government social agencies existed.
The Winter Park Welfare Association forms to coordinate community aid.
Mrs. Edward Spurr of the Woman's Club of Winter Park proposes a shop selling donated used clothing at reasonable prices. The Benefit Shop is born, soon supplying clothing, food, and medical devices identified by state welfare workers.
The Shop helps establish a local health clinic at Winter Park Elementary School and Winter Park's first employment agency.
After years of borrowed, temporary spaces, a White Elephant Sale and Buy-A-Brick campaign fund a permanent home at 151 W. Lyman Street — built in just 12 weeks.
The Benefit Shop formally incorporates.
An agreement deeds the Lyman Street land back to the City of Winter Park, with the Shop continuing operations as long as its civic work continues.
The City relocates the Shop into the former City Jail building, where it operates for the next two decades.
A lease expiration threatens closure. Loyal supporters and the community rally; the City Commission approves a new 5-year lease and moves the Shop to Lake Island Hall.
Grand opening of the expanded, ~2,000 sq. ft. Benefit Shop at 450 Harper Street — bigger, brighter, and busier than ever.
Origins: Winter Park Welfare Association (1917)
Benefit Shop founded: 1935, by Mrs. Edward Spurr
Legal milestone: Incorporated in 1963
Current location: Lake Island Hall, 450 Harper St., Winter Park (since 2025)
Mrs. Charles Morse · Dr. George M. Ward · Architect James Gamble Rogers · Elected City Officials · The Ideal Woman's Club · The Woman's Club of Winter Park · The University Club · Local Churches & Businesses · Mrs. George Kraft · Kiwanis Club
Affordable clothing, home decor, and unique finds in Winter Park. Every purchase supports local nonprofits serving children and families.
450 Harper Street, Winter Park, FL 32789 — Lake Island Hall
Friday & Saturday, 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM · Closed Sunday–Thursday
Cash only
(407) 691-7888 — please leave a message
Every purchase and donation helps fund organizations that uplift, feed, educate, and protect our community. In 2025, our beneficiaries include:
Founded 1939 — affordable, high-quality early childhood education for local families.
Millions of meals distributed yearly via mobile pantries and school programs.
24-hour care, therapies, and enrichment for children and adults with special needs.
Shelter, meals, and rehabilitation programs since 1948.
Life-skills training, counseling, and education for teens and young adults.
Shelter, advocacy, and prevention education for survivors of domestic violence.
Therapeutic horseback riding for children and adults with disabilities.
Food, clothing, and financial aid for families in crisis.
Temporary housing and case management to keep families together.
Safe, enriching after-school mentorship and leadership programs.
Please bring items that are clean and in good working condition. Tax receipts are available upon request.
Address: 450 Harper St, Winter Park, FL 32789
Shopping days (drop-off): Friday & Saturday, 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Volunteer work days: Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 1–4 PM
Large donation? Call (407) 691-7888 or email us to coordinate before arriving.
Pack donations in sturdy bags or boxes, and try to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing.
The Benefit Shop is more than a place to shop — it's where neighbors connect. We rely on volunteers to keep the store running, greet every customer with warmth, and extend kindness in every interaction. No retail experience required — just a friendly attitude. We provide all the training.
Customer service & checkout — greet shoppers and help at the register.
Sorting & pricing — help turn donations into ready-to-sell inventory.
Stocking & displays — keep shelves full and arranged beautifully.
Community events — support seasonal promotions and special sales.
Flexible shifts Monday–Saturday, 9 AM – 6 PM. Stop by the store to express interest, leave your contact info, and pick up a Volunteer Packet — or we'll send one electronically.
"Being part of the original shop has been such a meaningful experience, and it's heartwarming to see its legacy live on through the friendships — both old and new — that continue today."
"The Winter Park Benefit Shop has been a lifesaver to me as a volunteer (also a recent retiree) with the wonderful community and staff that support children and families."
"I've been volunteering at this shop for 14 years, and it has truly been a joy... The people are so kind and helpful. I'm truly grateful to have such a special place in Winter Park."
Whether you have a question, want to volunteer, or are interested in donating, we're here to help.
450 Harper St, Winter Park, FL 32789