Thomas Merton Center to Close Its Doors After 52 Years
Its Garfield consignment store will remain open and is hosting a fundraiser this week as part of the neighborhood’s First Fridays event.
PHOTO COURTESY THOMAS MERTON CENTER
After 50 years, the Thomas Merton Center will cease operations but has pledged to continue its work through its community-run thrift store in Garfield.
The center, named for the 20th century American trappist monk, activist and writer, announced it will close due to budget constraints.
“As the operations of the Thomas Merton Center wind down, we take pride in all of the activism and organizing we have done with our neighbors through the years, and we maintain hope for the future,” read a press release from the board of directors.
The center will continue to operate its community-run thrift store, East End Community Thrift, or “Thrifty,” in Garfield. On Friday, during the neighborhood’s First Fridays event, Thrifty will open for a night of music, mocktails and crafts and will fundraise through a fill-a-bag sale.
“As the sun may be setting on the Thomas Merton Center, we look forward to the sunrise that is to come at Thrifty,” the statement read.
The thrift store gave away more than $7,000 in merchandise to 270 individuals and families in six months this year and $10,000 in 2023.
