In the heart of Sharpsburg, one nonprofit is transforming lives not only through its dedication to helping area residents in need, but by serving as a vital hub for older adults seeking connection and meaningful contribution.
Founded in 2019 by Bonnie DeMotte, Second Harvest emerged after the closure of the local St. Vincent de Paul thrift store left many without affordable essentials. Drawing from her experience as former vice president of Backpack for Hunger, which supports food-insecure students in the Fox Chapel Area School District, DeMotte mobilized nearly 400 individuals, foundations and businesses to launch the Community Thrift Store in March 2021. The venture quickly became self-sustaining and has generated more than $2 million in revenue to date. After a local diner and bakery shuttered, the nonprofit expanded in early 2026 with Harvest on Main Community Market, which addresses food insecurity with healthy groceries, prepared meals and a commercial kitchen.
“Our organization’s mission is to meet the material and relational needs of local residents, while emphasizing sustainability and social responsibility, like turning donated goods into opportunities for neighbors,” DeMotte comments. “Our milestones include creating 10 full-time living-wage jobs with benefits, reducing carbon emissions equivalent to planting over 1,500 trees, and reinvesting more than $150,000 in profits into local grants.”…