Community Threads Shop Helps Families In Need In Brick

BRICK, NJ — For families in crisis, meeting basic needs for clothing, food and housing can be daunting challenges.

The Choose Love, Celebrate Life Foundation is working to ease the challenges through a variety of programs, including the opening of Community Threads, a shop that offers high-quality, gently used and new clothing and household items at no cost.

"We’re not a clothing store, and we’re not a thrift shop," the foundation said in a post on Facebook. "We’re the bridge that connects neighbors who have something to share with neighbors who deserve to have what they need."

The shop, at Brick Township's Civic Plaza, 270 Chambers Bridge Road, "exists so generosity can move directly from one set of hands to another — without stigma, without profit, and with deep respect for every person who walks through our doors," the foundation said.

Choose Love, Celebrate Life was founded in 2024 following the closure of a shelter for homeless teens in Toms River that Tiffany deSousa, chair of Choose Love, Celebrate Life, credits with saving her life when she became homeless as a teenager.

"We are committed to empowering youth and families by providing vital resources and bridging the gap to critical services," its mission statement says. "Through genuine partnerships and community collaboration, we work to foster growth, resilience, and belonging in a safe and nurturing environment for all."

Community Threads offers clothing, shoes, cleaning supplies, hygiene products, children's toys, infant items and an array of other home items.

There is no cost; those who come in for assistance are asked to complete a short intake form.

All of the items in the store have been donated, the foundation said.

"This is about community meeting the needs of community. This is about neighbors helping neighbors," the foundation says.

The shop is open Mondays through Thursdays, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Fridays 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Those who would like to learn more about Choose Love, Celebrate Life or how to donate to support its programs, including Family Fun Nights, and its efforts to open a shelter for youths ages 10 to 19 can find more information on the foundation's website.

"Tell anyone you know who’s struggling that there is a place — warm, welcoming, and ready to stand beside them," the foundation says.