NASHUA, NH – St. Joseph Hospital’s Grey Nuns Thrift Stop has operated in Nashua for decades. Three years ago, they relocated to a small storefront on Library Hill in downtown Nashua, where they provide affordable household goods, gently used clothing, seasonal items, and more to the less fortunate from our community.
The shop is well-organized, and items are displayed in an orderly presentation that is easy to peruse. The quality of goods, selection, and variety is impressive and shows the efforts of a dedicated staff.
Although they label themselves a ”thrift shop,” the operation is a hub that connects local folks in need with services as well as goods. They partner with 29 local agencies, including Bridges, Greater Nashua Mental Health, Harbor Homes, Marguerite’s Place, the Nashua School District, and the Nashua Soup Kitchen & Shelter, to identify needs. Social workers, case managers, and guidance counselors actively refer donors to the shop and potential clients who need basic housewares, clothing, or outerwear for themselves and their children.
Once identified, individuals and families are given a gift shop voucher for the goods they need. They are invited to look through the shop’s inventory and pick out the items they need and like. The intent is for them to have a conventional “shopping” experience like the retail customers of the shop.
Needs are unique; for example, a business outfit for a job interview, school shoes for growing feet, pots and pans for a new residence, or tents and sleeping bags for sleeping rough on the street. Goods are provided freely with kindness and no judgment.
“We welcome our clients with open arms. Vouchers are handled discreetly. Clients are supported and extended a helping hand,” said Michele Canto, Director of Community Ministries.
More folks in the Nashua area are struggling, and demand for the voucher program is growing. As shown in this year-over-year comparison for January and February
- January 2024, 84 people were provided $2,641 in needed items
- January 2025, 142 people were provided with $5,400 in needed items
- February 2024, 66 people were provided $2,000 in needed items
- February 2025, 97 people were provided $7,000 in needed items
Supervisor Mary Deshaw runs the store with a team of seven paid staff and more than 20 volunteers.. Although it is a retail operation that generates sales profits, that money covers overhead (rent, salaries, utilities) and the balance is used to support the charity mission.
The shop is a beehive of activity beyond shopping. They host regular Mission Meals & Medical events where the St. Joseph Hospital Mobile Health Clinic provides health checks and serves a hot meal.
You can help support the mission of the Grey Nuns by being a shopper and getting great deals on gently used items. You can also donate money or goods or become a volunteer. They have an Amazon wish list for high-demand items that you can purchase for them. Currently, they have a shortage of sleeping bags,
Saint Joseph Hospital was founded in Nashua in 1908 to primarily serve the French Canadian population of the city by the Sisters of Charity of Montreal, more commonly called the “Grey Nuns” because of the color of their habits. In 1983, the order established Covenant Health Systems, a nonprofit Catholic regional health care system, to direct, support, and conduct their health care, elder care, and social service systems throughout New England. In 1996, St. Joseph Hospital was transferred from the Grey Nuns to Covenant.
The Grey Nuns Thrift Shop is located at 11 Main Street. Hours and information can be found on their website or Facebook page.