Dove’s Nest turns thrifty finds into funding for local causes
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
By Dan Rolph
Dove’s Nest Thrift Store in Exeter has been a place to find affordable shopping in the community for more than 25 years. Above are the members of the five-person board that works to keep the store running. From left are secretary Joanne Cooper, treasurer Joan Heywood, president Donna Regier, store merchandiser Josey Christmas and store window display designer Janice Webber
Supported by a team of 23 volunteers, the non-profit organization donates its proceeds to local causes, including six churches, Jessica’s House, the Huron County Food Bank Distribution Centre, Artemis Huron and Huron Turning Point.
Started by Elizabeth Davis, the thrift store has shifted locales several times throughout its history. Its roots are humble, getting its beginnings in a basement. Now, it sits in the heart of Exeter’s downtown on Main Street.
Joan Heywood, who serves as treasurer on the five-person Dove’s Nest board, said the store’s long history in Exeter shows how vital it has become to the community.
“There is really a need,” she said. “If we were to close, there are a lot of people who would miss this store. The times now, there’s a lot of people who can’t afford to go and buy new.
“It’s important to us that we’re giving back.”
Despite its thrift store label, the volunteers at Dove’s Nest strive to create a space that steps beyond the stereotype of a thrift store filled with dusty and forgotten items.
Board member and store merchandiser Josey Christmas described the Dove’s Nest approach as one looking to create a feeling for shoppers that is more upscale than they may expect.
“We want to have that boutique feel,” she said. “We’ve had people come in here and not realize we’re a thrift store.”
To keep that feeling, Christmas said they specifically ask the community for clean, gently used donations, including clothing and household items.
“Everything that comes through, we go through it meticulously,” she said.
More recently, Dove’s Nest has also started a new partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Huron, which operates The Little Shop nearby and specializes in children’s wear.
Though Dove’s Nest will still accept donations of children’s clothing, the store gives those donations to The Little Shop, which then shares a portion of the proceeds from the sale of those items with Dove’s Nest.
With the partnership beginning in January 2026, Heywood said it is one that has been successful so far.
“It’s worked out well,” said Heywood. “Very much so.”
Having last moved locations in 2021, Heywood said they have been happy with their store on Main Street, though she noted the older building can at times present accessibility challenges, particularly for those using wheelchairs.
With Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore location closing in 2021, Heywood said she would like to see Dove’s Nest one day expand into a larger, more accessible location that would allow them to accept furniture donations, filling that gap in the community.
Being a store run entirely by volunteers, Heywood said the team is a mixture of long-time volunteers and those who are new to the store. Volunteer tasks can vary, including jobs such as working the cash register, sorting through donations, waiting on customers and taking laundry home.
Some volunteers commit to a weekly shift in the store, while others are on a spare list in case they’re needed.
“We always are looking for volunteers,” said Heywood.
Wherever Dove’s Nest finds itself in the coming years, Christmas said the store’s success will continue to depend on the generosity of the community that has never failed to support them.
“We wouldn’t be able to give all the money we’ve giving over the years if it wasn’t for generous donations from the community,” she said.
For the latest information about Dove’s Nest, including updates about monthly sales, follow the store’s Facebook page.
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