Abbreviated History of the Winter Park Benefit Shop
More than a century ago, Mrs. Charles Morse gathered people in her home to form an organization whose purpose was to help people in our community whose means and conditions make complete self-support an impossibility. Today, the Winter Park Benefit Shop, an all-volunteer organization, continues this mission by raising money for local charities that are committed to meeting the needs of children and families through the sale of donated items.
At a Glance
In 1917, Mrs. Charles Morse gathered Winter Park residents to form the Winter Park Welfare Association, an organization created to coordinate aid for those in need. At a time when few governmental social agencies existed, the Welfare Association became an umbrella group for all local efforts aimed at helping the community’s most vulnerable citizens.
Among the earliest of these efforts was the Winter Park Benefit Shop, which grew out of a group of women who had been sewing clothing for residents in need. In 1935—90 years ago—Mrs. Edward Spurr, a member of the Woman’s Club of Winter Park, proposed opening a shop to sell reasonably priced used clothing donated by townspeople. Thus, the Benefit Shop was born. Working alongside the Welfare Association, it soon became a primary source of clothing, food, and medical devices for those in need, operating as a used-clothing thrift shop. Over the decades, household goods were added to its inventory. Income from the sale of donated items enabled the Benefit Shop to fill orders identified by state welfare workers.
During the Great Depression, the Benefit Shop recognized growing community needs and helped create both a local health clinic—operating out of Winter Park Elementary School on Park Avenue—and the first employment agency in Winter Park.
For years, the Welfare Association, Benefit Shop, and clinic operated in different, temporary locations. When their borrowed spaces were reclaimed by new tenants, they were forced to move again and again. Tired of this instability, supporters sought a permanent solution. They purchased a lot from the City, launched a White Elephant Sale and a Buy-A-Brick campaign, and raised enough funds to construct a dedicated building. Completed in just 12 weeks in 1946, this permanent home stood at 151 W. Lyman Street, the site now occupied by the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce and Welcome Center.
An agreement with the City in 1972 deeded the land and property back to the City stipulating the Benefit Shop could operate there as long as it continued to do civic work. Instead of directly supplying items to needy individuals in conjunction with state Welfare agencies, it continued to sell donated items and give the proceeds to worthy local charities that support children and families.
In 2006, when the City of Winter Park needed more space, it moved the Benefit Shop to the then- vacated old City Jail where it operated until 2025. The 10 year lease the City drew up for the Benefit Shop in 2015 expired in 2024 and the Benefit Shop faced closure. This prompted a public outcry from its loyal supporters and those who recognized it’s 90 year old place in our City’s history. Our City Commission responded by approving a 5 year lease (with option to renew) and moved the beloved historic Benefit Shop to Lake Island Hall at 450 Harper Street where it successfully operates today.
Winter Park Welfare Association (1917)
1935 by Mrs. Edward Spurr, a Member of the Woman’s Club of Winter Park
Benefit Shop incorporated in 1963
Lake Island Hall, 450 Harper St., Winter Park
Fri–Sat, 9:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
In 1917, Winter Park residents formed the Winter Park Welfare Association to coordinate aid for those in need. By 1935—amid the Great Depression—volunteers from the Woman’s Club proposed a dedicated thrift outlet to handle clothing assistance. This became the Winter Park Benefit Shop, which soon moved several times before a community campaign and donated architecture plans led to a permanent home beside the train tracks on Lyman Avenue.
Early on, the Shop helped launch a school health clinic and even supported the salary of a nurse; it also operated a local employment service. By the 1960s, the Shop balanced direct assistance with attractive retail displays, and in 1963 it incorporated. Over subsequent decades, as more social‑service organizations arrived, the Shop increasingly directed its profits to partner charities while continuing to provide clothing and household goods at low prices.
In 1972, the original Health and Welfare Agencies entity was dissolved and its property deeded to the City of Winter Park, with the Shop retaining use. In 2006, the Shop relocated to the west end of City Hall (the former 500‑sq‑ft city jail). Facing a 2015 lease expiration in 2024, supporters rallied; the City ultimately moved the Shop to Lake Island Hall and approved a five‑year lease in 2025. The expanded ~2,000‑sq‑ft location opened to the public on May 30, 2025.
Timeline Highlights
1917: Winter Park Welfare Association formed to coordinate community aid.
1935: Benefit Shop founded; Woman’s Club volunteers staff sales; initial Park Avenue location.
1946: Community campaign funds a dedicated building; plans donated by architect James Gamble Rogers.
1960: Shop outfits hundreds of welfare cases; expands and improves merchandise and displays.
1963: Incorporation; addition built on Lyman facility.
1970s–1980s: Shift toward granting Shop proceeds to local charities; supports food drives, youth groups, and public safety.
1972: Property deeded to the City; Shop continues operations.
2006: Relocates into City Hall (former jail space) across from the prior site.
2024–2025: Lease expiration prompts relocation; City approves 5‑year lease at Lake Island Hall.
May 30, 2025: Grand opening of a ~2,000‑sq‑ft Shop at 450 Harper Street.
Mission & Impact
The Shop’s volunteer‑powered model strengthens dignity and community: customers find reasonably priced essentials while all proceeds are donated to organizations serving children and families. In 2025, beneficiaries include:
- Winter Park Day Nursery
- Second Harvest Food Bank
- Russell House for Atypical Children
- Orlando Rescue Mission
- House of Hope
- Harbor House of Central Florida
- Freedom Ride
- Christian Service Center (Winter Park Branch)
- Family Promise of Greater Orlando
- Boys & Girls Club of Central Florida
Visit & Donate
Address 450 Harper Street, Winter Park, FL
Hours Fri–Sat, 9:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Payment Cash only
Donations Clothing & household items (no furniture due to space)
Phone (407) 691‑7888 (leave a message)
Social
Facebook: Winter Park Benefit Shop New Location
Instagram: winterparkbenefitshop
Our Mission
Every dollar spent at the Benefit Shop goes directly to local charities that support children and families.
Empowering Change
Together, we can uplift lives through donations, community events, and volunteer opportunities. Every little effort helps us grow.
Join Us
Come be part of something meaningful. Your support makes a difference. Let’s build a brighter future together!