Thrift Trail › Blog › Charity
🧒 The Thrift Store Benefiting Chambliss Center: 150 Years of Caring for Kids
Two of Chattanooga's best-organized thrift stores share a mission that is older than almost anything else in the city. The Thrift Store, on Brainerd Rd and on Dayton Blvd in Red Bank, benefits the Chambliss Center for Children.
A very old nonprofit
The Chambliss Center began in 1872, when a group of Chattanooga women saw how many children needed a place to stay, rented a house and started serving local youth. In 2022 it celebrated 150 years of service.
What your purchase supports
- Therapeutic foster care, which places children with trained foster families.
- A Transitional Living Program, started in 2017, for young adults aging out of foster care.
- Isaiah 117 House in Hamilton County, a calm, safe place for children while they wait for placement after being removed from unsafe homes.
Where to shop
- 3723 Brainerd Rd in Brainerd: reviewers note a good plus-size and kids selection.
- 1936 Dayton Blvd in Red Bank: reviewers praise the furniture and handmade items from local makers.
Each location shows a "Proceeds benefit" note in the Shops & Charities list.
Why local nonprofits depend on thrift
Unlike a large national charity, a local organization like the Chambliss Center serves children in the community around it. Thrift sales help fund its work year after year, which makes each purchase part of a long local story.
Quick answers
How many Thrift Store locations are there?
The Trail lists two: 3723 Brainerd Rd and 1936 Dayton Blvd in Red Bank.
Can I donate there?
Yes, but ask the staff about donation hours and accepted items first.
Thrift tip: Donating counts too. Ask the staff for current donation hours and what they are able to accept.
Plan a shop on the Chattanooga thrift trail map, or read our guides to Brainerd and Red Bank.
Sources
- Local 3 News: Chambliss Center celebrates 150 years of service
- WDEF: Isaiah 117 House opens in Hamilton County
Plan a route through Chattanooga area thrift stores, vintage shops and antique malls, ordered around their hours.
Plan My Thrift Route →
Browse All Shops & the Charities They Support