Thrifty means inexpensive, economical and frugal. It means the same things at Matthew 25 Thrift Shop, but in a different way, on a different level.

Matthew 25 Thrift Shop deals in spiritual and altruistic bargains.

"Before I came here, I had no idea how many charities there are in Lancaster County," said Connie Shertzer, who's been the general manager of Matthew 25 Thrift Shop for 12 years. "I never knew Lancaster County was so involved with so many things. It's important to help because there are so many people in need. It's part of what we are, who we are. We need to give back. We need to not just think of ourselves."

Located at 48 E. Main St., Lititz, Matthew 25 Thrift Shop sports the largest storefront downtown and is one of the anchors of the thriving business district. The shop, which transforms donations into funds for local nonprofits, recently celebrated its silver 25th anniversary.

Overseen by a seven-member board that meets once a month, Matthew 25 Thrift Shop is open for business Mondays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

"We're here, and we care about our community," said Shertzer. "We know we need to help people in our community. Our donations and shoppers are keeping us alive. Without them, we couldn't do what we do in Lancaster County."

Matthew 25 Thrift Shop sells new and gently used items donated by individuals, churches, civic organizations and even merchants that are going out of business. The store offers clothing, jewelry, handbags, shoes, household accessories, artwork, books, toys and seasonal items all at reasonable prices.

"I think we have to remember to be kind and greet people," said Shertzer, a resident of Lititz. "Without our customers, we couldn't give away the money we do. We've been blessed. If I find a good deal on things, I'll buy them. But 95% of our items are donated. We have a lot of regulars who donate all the time."

Last year, Matthew 25 Thrift Shop realized $338,000 in profits after expenses and donated those proceeds to mainly local charities like community meal programs, food banks, ministries, Lancaster Lebanon Habitat for Humanity, the Lancaster County Council of Churches and various emergency funds. Since its inception in 2000, the store has grossed over $6 million in sales and donated a total of more than $4.13 million to nonprofits.

A list of the specific charities that Matthew 25 Thrift Shop donates to is regularly posted in the store.

The mission of Matthew 25 Thrift Shop is based on the acts of service Bible verse where Jesus implores us to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, care for strangers, provide drink for the thirsty and visit the sick and imprisoned.

"The shop was started by Jack and Nancy Reece of East Petersburg," said Shertzer. "When they started it, it was very basic. They didn't get as many donations, but each year it evolved. When they retired, they told the board, and the board talked to me about taking it over. I'm so happy they created it. It's a good need for the town. It's changed over the years, and Lititz has changed over the years."

"All these shops in town are special," Shertzer said. "If people ask for a specific item and we don't have it, we send them to other stores. We work together."

Matthew 25 Thrift Shop is operated through the work of Shertzer and her four-employee staff and the efforts of 65 volunteers.

"I love being here with my volunteers every day," said Shertzer. "It gives me purpose in life. We have amazing volunteers. I love meeting all the people who come in here. I'm a people person, and I love hearing their stories."

For additional information, search for "Matthew 25 Thrift Shop" on Facebook.