When you drive past The Bargain Box on Mount Kemble Avenue in Morristown, you’ll sometimes notice a line of people waiting to get into the charming and welcoming store. There’s a good reason for that and why the thrift shop is described as a boutique with a “Touch of Class.”
“The variety of one-of-a-kind treasures is ever changing – from jewelry, vintage pieces and collectibles to housewares and artwork,” says long-time manager, Maggie Moffitt. “Current and retro fashion and home décor changes daily. There's something for everybody.”
The store has many repeat customers. “It's a really happy place,” she says. “People come in and make friends here. They interact with one another, with our volunteers and our staff.”
Some customers come in seeking vintage and antique pieces, hard-to-find items or designer brands. At times, merchandise from Tory Burch, and even Hermes and Ferragamo can be found. “We also have Vineyard Vines, Polo and UNTUCKit,” says Maggie. “The quality of what we offer is really quite good and reflects the generosity of our donors.”
Some of the items are brand new and still have tags on them. Since the store is so busy and the inventory changes so quickly, if something isn’t there one day, it may be there the next, so they often tell people to come back soon.
Shopping at The Bargain Box benefits the buyer, of course, but it goes much deeper than that. The store operates as part of the Women's Association for Morristown Medical Center (WAMMC), a volunteer service organization founded in 1893 that raises funds to enable Morristown Medical Center to respond to the ever-changing health care needs.
“The net proceeds from The Bargain Box allows the Women's Association, in partnership with the Foundation for Morristown Medical Center, to determine where fundraising efforts can make the biggest impact,” says Dale Scolnick, president of WAMMC. “The association also manages
The Corner Store Gift Shop in three locations within the hospital and will present its highly attended Mansion in May® Designer Showhouse and Gardens signature event in 2025, in pursuit of raising the funds in support of Morristown Medical Center’s ongoing efforts to advance health care in our community.”
WAMMC’s focus goes beyond fundraising, she says. “It includes Scholarship Awards for health care employees seeking to further their health-care-related educations, and over ten years ago we launched a child-centric, in-house television channel known as “Calling All Kids” and also partnered with the San Diego and Turtle Back Zoo to provide our youngest patients with some needed child-friendly entertainment.”
WAMMC has raised over $32 million since 1985 in support of Morristown Medical Center to which The Bargain Box has made a significant contribution over the last 65 years, thanks to our donors and our loyal customers.
The Bargain Box also holds multiple events throughout the year. “Every fall we give a nod to the Far Hills Race by showcasing fashion and décor for The Hunt.” says Marsha Wolfson, a WAMMC Board Member and long-time volunteer. “And in late spring, we host a Lilly Pulitzer and Tommy Bahama event featuring a collection of fashion for the entire family.”
Visitors, as well as donations, are always welcome at The Box.
For more information, go to https://www.wammc.org/bargain-box.