The Coral Thrift Shop
The Coral Thrift Shop has been serving local residents since 1963, when seven local mothers wanted to make a difference in the community. These San Clemente moms were military wives whose husbands were deployed to Vietnam. They knew there were families who needed help and they wanted to be a positive force, soon learning that in those days a woman could not rent an office or even get a phone without a male co-signer.
Finally, under another group’s umbrella, they rented a small space on Avenida Del Mar. Then along came a benefactor, Robert Brooks, who was willing to let them rent a larger space on North El Camino Real, even arranging for a telephone. Robert also donated his time and expertise, repairing anything electronic and most other damaged donations for all these years.
The shop has donated over three million dollars to South Orange County youth programs. In addition, Coral Thrift Shop helps support the local YMCA annually, donating to the local Boys and Girls Club. It also aids in funding after-school tutoring programs and AVID, which trains educators in proven methods for preparing students, especially under-performers, for success in school and the workplace.