When you shop with us, you make a difference in your community
Come experience the thrill of thrifting at the Samaritan Center.
Experience the thrill of thrifting
Thanks to the generosity of donors in the community, we stock new items daily.
The Samaritan Center Thrift Store is the financial engine that helps power our Social Services programs. Thanks to the generosity of our community, donated items are sorted, prepared, and stocked throughout our Thrift, Clearance, and Toy shops, turning everyday treasures into food, essentials, and financial assistance for neighbors in need. Every donation and every purchase helps provide Help for Today and Hope for Tomorrow.
Rest and relax in our lobby waiting area
The Samaritan Center is like a community hub.
Our lobby features a large, comfortable waiting area so shoppers can take a break (or accompanying parties can relax while others do the shopping).
You’ll also find a volunteer greeter station, occasional blood pressure checks provided by volunteers, a quiet chapel space for prayer and reflection, our Community Corner where community events and gatherings are sometimes held.
Donations and furniture pickups
The Samaritan Center donation dock is where the community drops off new or gently used goods. Donating items you no longer need is a great source of giving.
Your donated items help support our programs and services for families and individuals in Eastern Hamilton County who are experiencing difficult times.
Thrift Shop Frequently Asked Questions
Scheduling
- Yes! You may schedule a furniture pickup by clicking this link: Schedule Furniture Pickup
- Once scheduled, you will receive an email. Please check your spam folders. Within this link, you may cancel or adjust your time.
Pickup
- We only pick up large, good-condition furniture and appliances within 20 miles of the Samaritan Center.
- Items must be on the main level, our drivers will not go upstairs in your house to collect furniture.
- Your appointment has a 4-hour window between 8 am and 12 pm, and between 1 pm and 4 pm. The driver will call within
- The driver will call within the window you selected to let you know he is on his way.
- We no longer pick up the following items:
- Pianos
- Hospital beds
- Headboards & footboards
- Bed frames
- Mattresses
- Sofa beds
- Building supplies
- Small household items
Our regular operating hours are:
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- Monday – Thursday: 9 am – 6 pm
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- Friday & Saturday: CLOSED
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- Sunday: 1 pm – 5 pm
Visit our website or social media if you are not sure if the store is open for a holiday or inclement weather.
No.
Because of the size of our store and the constant rotation of donations, our team is unable to personally shop for specific items.
We encourage customers to visit often, as new treasures arrive throughout the day!
If you’re looking for something in particular, our staff can gladly point you toward the right department when you visit.
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- Clothing, linen, and shoes (men, women, and children – all seasons)
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- Household items (décor, pictures, lamps, knick-knacks)
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- Kitchen items (dishes, cookware, flatware, glasses, mugs, etc.)
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- Furniture and large or small appliances (free pickup for large working appliances and furniture)
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- Electronics (DVD/Blu-ray players, lamps, radios, etc.)
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- Outdoor items (patio furniture, flower pots, etc.)
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- Medical equipment (bedside toilets, shower chairs, crutches, wheelchairs, boots, slings, canes, etc.)
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- Toys and baby items (games, bouncer chairs, swings, dolls, dress up clothes, stuffed animals, sports equipment, etc.)
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- Books, videos, CDs, DVDs, etc.
- Hospital beds
- Large entertainment centers
- Hot tubs
- Tanning beds
- Water beds
- Incomplete china cabinets (no top halves only)
- Aerosols, chemicals, or paint
- C-PAP machines
- Unframed mirrors
- Building material of any kind
- Automobile parts (tires, batteries, etc.)
- Guns, ammo, or explosives
- Toilets
- Shower doors
- Children or infant car seats (due to recalls)
- Cassette or 8-track tapes
- Televisions of any kind
- Computers
- Damaged furniture
- Items that are heavily stained or damaged
- Mattresses or box springs of any size/style
Donation Dock Hours
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 8 am – 9 pm
- Wednesday: 8am – 5 pm
- Friday: 9 am – 3 pm
- Saturday: closed
- Sunday: 12 – 9 pm
Medical equipment is available for free on our donation dock. Stop by the dock during open hours and ask about our equipment. Supply is dependent upon donations. Please do not call to find out if a specific item is available as the receptionist does not have a running list of available items.
These are most common items we have available:
- Bedside commodes
- Canes
- Crutches
- Shower chairs
- Walkers
- Wheelchairs
If you would like to donate to our medical equipment, please drop it off at the dock.
Dock location
- 6017 Ooltewah-Georgetown Road
Dock hours
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 8 am – 9 pm
- Wednesday: 8 am – 5 pm
- Friday: 9 am – 3 pm
- Saturday closed
- Sunday: 12 pm – 9 pm
No.
To keep things fair for all shoppers, we’re unable to hold items or accept payments over the phone for later pickup. Our inventory changes quickly, and all items are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. We encourage customers to visit often since new items arrive throughout the day!
We love partnering with businesses, churches, schools, and community groups who want to make a difference in our community! Partners can support the Samaritan Center through donation drives, volunteer projects, sponsorships, collection barrels, special events, and more.
If you’re interested in partnering with us, please contact Wayne Brown at waynebrown@thesamaritancenter.net or call (423) 238-7777 ext. 22 to learn more about opportunities to get involved.
We’re always excited to welcome new volunteers and community partners! To learn more about volunteer opportunities, current needs, or the programs we offer, click this link Volunteer Here or call us at (423) 238-7777 ext. 20.
Our volunteer resource coordinator would be happy to help you find the best way to get involved.
If you are interested in being a community partner, contact Wayne Brown for more information: waynebrown@thesamaritancenter.net or call (423) 238-7777 ext. 22.
Our service area includes the specific ZIP codes and communities where we can directly provide social services. Because our programs are funded through thrift store proceeds and donations, we focus support where we can make the greatest impact. We also partner with other organizations to help neighbors outside our service area, as we continue to access needs in our community.
The current service area for the Samaritan Center covers Eastern Hamilton County:
- 37302
- 37308 (Hamilton County)
- 37315
- 37336 (Hamilton County)
- 37341
- 37353 (Hamilton County)
- 37363
- 37416
- 37421
- 37311 (Hamilton County – starting June 15)
- 37406 (starting June 15)
- 37411 (starting June 15)
- 37412 (starting June 15)
Still have a question?
