For those who may not know, what is The Church Mouse, and how did it come to be part of the Palm Beach community?

The Church Mouse is a donation based resale shop located on the island of Palm Beach. The shop was started over 50 years ago as a ministry of The Church of Bethesda-By-The-Sea. The ladies of the St. Mary’s Guild created the concept and were told they would be “broke as a church mouse” thus the name. Despite the initial scepticism, the shop has become a staple on the island and continues to make an impact in the community. 

 

The Church Mouse has become somewhat of an institution on the island. What do you think makes it so beloved with locals and visitors alike? 

There are so many unique treasures to be found. Whether you are visiting for the first time, or The Church Mouse has become a daily pitstop, there is always something new to see. What better display of how locals and visitors feel about the shop then to include some recent reviews: 

• “As always, enjoyed the volunteer staff out front so much; delightfully fun and engaging. As always, I left feeling lucky and happy. A pleasure! Customer since 1982.”

• “It's a perfect place in every aspect”

• “I love the look of the store. It is well organized and set up. I love that the men's pants I purchase were pressed and well labeled. Will visit again.”

 

Can you tell us a little about how donations work, and what kinds of pieces people can expect to find in-store?

The Church Mouse is 100% donation based so that our sales can flow back through the Bethesda outreach program to support various organizations. Merchandise at the shop includes departments such as Men’s and Women’s clothes and accessories, housewares, furniture, art and decor. 

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If someone is looking to donate, we accept drop offs Monday through Saturday between 10am and 4pm. If someone has items such as furniture or large quantities that require a pickup, please send an email to Churchmouse@bbts.org so that we can get that scheduled for you. We are so incredibly thankful for all of our amazing donors over the years. It is because of their generosity that this is all possible. 

 

Do you have a favorite “Church Mouse find” story?

One of the more adorable moments for me was when two little girls came into the shop with their parents and were told they could each pick out one item. The older of the two, maybe 5 years old asked very meekly if we had any lockets. Just that morning I had priced a beautiful etched silver locket. She absolutely beamed when she saw it and I couldn't help but reciprocate the response. 

 

Many people don’t realize that shopping here directly supports Bethesda-by-the-Sea’s outreach programs. Could you share how proceeds make a difference?

The generosity of those who donate and shop at the Church Mouse enables Bethesda-by-the-Sea to provide grant support to many charitable organizations within Palm Beach County and beyond. Annually, the Church Mouse generates over half a million dollars for distribution in grants. Over the past 12 months, these are a few of the agencies that have been supported:

• Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse

• Boys and Girls Club of Palm Beach County

• Center for Creative Education

• Faith Hope Love Charity Inc.

• Feed the Hungry Pantry

• Good Shepherd Sustainable Learning Foundation 

• The Lord's Place

• Opportunity, Inc.

• Palm Beach County Food Bank

• Speak Up for Kids

 

What featured Privet event are you most excited about this season? 

As we get back into the true Palm Beach season, there are so many exciting upcoming events. One Privet event that I will be adding to my personal calendar is Taste of CityPlace 2025 on Oct 16th. As a newer resident to the area this event will be a great way to get familiar with local restaurants. Customers are always asking for recommendations, so this will be a great event to be a better guide. 

 

How would you describe the shopping experience at The Church Mouse compared to other consignment or vintage shops in the area?

The shop typically closed for a period of the summer. This year during the six weeks of our off season, we put in a lot of work into our 4,500 square feet. Some changes included an expansion of our sales floor to create a new men's department, a rework of the layout and a paint job. We are lucky to have so many amazing volunteers that help both behind the scenes and on the sales floor that help keep everything stocked and beautifully displayed. 

 

If The Church Mouse had a “motto” or spirit in a few words, what would it be?

If you have ever seen The Church Mouse truck driving around the Palm Beach streets you may have noticed “serving those in need around the corner and around the world!” For every customer, no matter if they are purchasing a two-dollar teacup or a St. John jacket, their purchase helps make an impact. The treasures you find create hope for others.