‘Giving Back Never Goes Out of Style’: Hilty Family Opens Community Thrift Store in Downtown Lock Haven
By Emily Wright
LOCK HAVEN—On the sunny fall afternoon of October 9, 2025, a small group of community members and local leaders gathered to celebrate the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Give Back: A Community Thrift Store. With the snip of the ceremonial ribbon, the Hilty family officially opened downtown Lock Haven’s newest spot for affordable, pre-loved finds.
Located at 111/113 East Main Street in downtown Lock Haven— in the space formerly occupied by the Salvation Army Thrift Store— Give Back: A Community Thrift Store is no ordinary second-hand shop—it’s a continuation of a family’s deep-rooted commitment to Lock Haven and a new chapter for a beloved Main Street address.
The family-owned and operated business is led by Bree Hilty, Hailey Farr, Devin Hilty, Blake Marsh, Dan Hilty, and Jennifer Hilty, alongside store manager Tracey White. Each is personally committed to supporting and uplifting the local community.
For the Hilty family, Give Back: A Community Thrift Store is more than just a business—it’s a heartfelt tribute to their late grandparents, who purchased the building in the 90s for the Salvation Army Thrift Store. “They always led with so much love for our community, and giving to people was always important to them, so we couldn’t imagine putting anything else in here other than a thrift shop,” said Bree Hilty, one of the new owners. A large canvas photo of the Hiltys’ grandparents is displayed at the front of the store, serving as an ever-present reminder of the couple’s lasting impact on both their family and the community.
“Our grandparents, Dan and Leslie Hilty, were a huge reason we bought the store,” Bree shared with attendees at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “They purchased the store back in 1998 for the Salvation Army, and they’ve done so much. Their hearts were huge, and we wanted to carry on their legacy, so they’re a big part of what we want to do here. We just want to make things affordable for the community, and we want to give back as much as we possibly can.”
The store’s motto says it all: “Giving back never goes out of style.”
The Hilty family’s commitment to giving is woven into the very foundation of the business. “Some of the profits each month are going to go toward helping the nonprofits around here,” explained co-owner Blake Marsh. Each month, Give Back will support a different nonprofit, providing financial assistance to organizations that serve the Lock Haven community. This month, a portion of the store’s proceeds will benefit Precise for Paws Inc., a local 501(c)(3) organization that provides financial support for stray and abandoned animals by covering routine and emergency veterinary expenses.
Since renovations began 18 months ago, the owners say community support for the new thrift store has been tremendous. Donations poured in so quickly that the Hiltys filled an entire warehouse with items before the shop itself was even ready to open. “The community support has been great,” noted co-owner Devin Hilty.
In addition to the family’s special connection to the building, Give Back further sets itself apart by making donating easier than ever. The store offers a pickup service for anyone in the Tri-County area who can’t make it downtown to drop off donations during regular business hours.
One of the defining features of Give Back: A Community Thrift Store is the owners’ commitment to community over profit. “We do our best to keep our prices low,” said Bree Hilty. “We’re not trying to make money as much as give back to the community,” she added.
Beyond providing affordable goods and supporting local nonprofits, Give Back is also committed to environmental sustainability. By finding new homes for gently used clothing and other donated wares, the store helps keep items out of landfills. “Not only are we supporting the community, we’re also supporting the environment by finding different uses for the donations people make rather than those things ending up in a landfill,” Devin explained.
Inside, shoppers will discover a wide selection of items, including clothing in sizes for infants through adults, furniture, decorative items, and much more. At the front of the store, a dedicated “Share Shelf” offers free personal care products—including soap, lotions, feminine hygiene items, and more—available to anyone in need.
At Thursday’s ribbon-cutting, a sense of community was palpable. Local leaders in attendance included Clinton County Commissioner Jeff Snyder; Michelle Dush-McCain, representing PA State Rep. Stephanie Borowicz; Lock Haven City Council members Richard Conklin and Steve Stevenson; Clinton County Economic Partnership (CCEP) CEO Jason Fitzgerald; Clinton County Chamber of Commerce & Leadership Director Megan Wheeler; Director of Chamber and Tourism Marketing Christopher Miller; Clinton County Tourism Director Melissa Dally; CCEP Operating Board President Daniel Harger; City Planner & Development Coordinator Abbey Roberts; Director of Community Life Kasey Dumm; and others—all gathered to celebrate the store’s official opening and its mission.
Give Back: A Community Thrift Store invites everyone in the Lock Haven area and beyond to join the effort—by shopping, donating, or simply spreading the word. The Hilty family welcomes donations during business hours—Monday through Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Please note that the store cannot accept donated mattresses or particle board furniture at this time.
In a city where generosity and connection still matter, the Hilty family’s newest chapter proves that, indeed, giving back never goes out of style.
For more information or to arrange a donation pick-up, call 570-858-5153, email Admin@gbthrift.com, or find “Give Back: A Community Thrift Store” on Facebook for the latest updates.
