Encore Thrift Store

"Employing People With Disabilities"

About Us

Encore Thrift Store is more than a place to shop—it’s the heart of a mission that began long before our doors opened. Our roots trace back to the late 1970s, when the DeWitt County Human Resource Center (DCHRC) began providing mental health services to the community. In the 1980s, a passionate parent advocacy group helped spark a new vision for the future. Their efforts led to DCHRC launching Day Services in 1988 for individuals living in a local group home, creating a safe and supportive environment for growth.

Throughout the 1990s, DCHRC expanded Day Services to our Route 10 East location. During that time, the agency took on the county recycling program, which became a hands-on setting for job skill development and vocational training. When the recycling program concluded in 2007, DCHRC began searching for new, meaningful employment opportunities that would align with its mission. That dream became a reality in 2010 when Encore Thrift Store opened—and it has since become the centerpiece of our organization.

From day one, Encore has been a place where purpose meets opportunity. We wanted to create an environment where individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities could learn life skills and job skills within the rhythm of everyday life. Being in a typical, real-world setting brings authentic opportunities for growth, confidence, and independence—far beyond what classroom instruction alone can offer.

Today, we proudly provide individuals across DeWitt County with the chance to work toward independence, self-sufficiency, improved quality of life, and greater overall functioning. Our team members gain experience in customer service, stocking and organizing merchandise, maintaining cleanliness, and managing the cash register. At the same time, they build social skills, form lasting relationships, and discover their own unique strengths.

Behind the scenes, our work is supported by a team of dedicated professionals who are committed to enriching and empowering the lives of those we serve. We strive to create a community built on compassion, acceptance, and respect, ensuring that every individual who walks through our doors feels valued and supported.

Inside our 20,000+ square foot store, shoppers will find an ever-changing collection of furniture, household goods, antiques, hardware, clothing, jewelry, toys, and countless other treasures. We proudly serve customers from Clinton, Decatur, Springfield, Bloomington/Normal, Champaign, and beyond—offering a top-notch thrift shopping experience with a purpose behind every purchase.

And best of all, every dollar spent stays right here in our community. Your support directly fuels opportunities, skill-building, vocational training, and the programs that empower the individuals who make Encore shine.

We invite you to stop in, connect with us, and discover how Encore Thrift Store continues to transform everyday shopping into life-changing opportunity.

Areas Served

Our Professional Associations

Chamber of Commerce

Our Certifications

Insured

Languages Spoken

English
American Sign Language

What We Offer

Our Specialties include:

At Encore Thrift Store, our mission shines through in everything we do. Every dollar spent stays right here in the community, helping fund programs and opportunities that make a real difference in the lives of local individuals. One of our greatest points of pride is our commitment to employing and empowering adults with disabilities. Through meaningful, skill-building employment, we create a supportive environment where individuals can grow, contribute, and experience the dignity and confidence that come from purposeful work. When you shop at Encore, you’re not just finding great treasures—you're investing in people, strengthening your community, and helping create brighter futures.

Our Services include:

Encore Thrift Store is a resale retail shop that accepts and sells new and gently used articles of clothing for all ages, housewares, furniture, tools, athletic items, toys, home décor, linens, craft items, purses, and shoes. The generosity of our community — through donations and patronage — helps support the vital services we provide to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Community-Focused Shopping: At Encore Thrift Store, every dollar truly makes a difference. All proceeds stay right here in the community, supporting programs and services that uplift adults with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities and individuals navigating mental health challenges.
Skill-Building Employment & Support Services: Behind the scenes, Encore serves as a vibrant training ground. Employment at Encore is part of our broader skill-building and developmental services, offering hands-on opportunities for adults to grow, gain confidence, and build workplace experience in a supportive environment.
Vintage Finds, Collectibles & Everyday Treasures: From vintage clothing and classic furniture to pottery, glassware, toys, and other one-of-a-kind discoveries, our store is filled with character. With over 20,000 square feet of treasures, you never know what you’ll find—but there’s always something waiting to be discovered.
Extensive Jewelry Collection: Shoppers love our jewelry section, featuring rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and more. Whether you’re looking for something timeless, unique, or playful, our curated selection has pieces for every taste.
Friendly Shopper Assistance: Found a great haul? Our friendly staff is always happy to help carry your items to your vehicle. We’re here to make your shopping experience both fun and effortless.
Learn More About Our Growth: We’re expanding! Visit our Learn More tab to learn about our current construction projects and what’s coming next for Encore Thrift Store.

Our Products include:

Glassware
Sportswear
Furniture
Hardware
Linens
Shoes
Household Items
Antiques
Belts
Decor
Secondhand Items
Men’s Clothes
Women’s Clothes
Kids Clothes
Jewelry
Toys
Undergarments
Gardening Supplies
Sporting Goods
Holiday and Seasonal Items

Testimonials

On 11/5/2025 Tammi Damm had this to say:
I absolutely love this place. Items are so reasonably priced, and the people working there are great, and the cause is so worth spending money there!

On 10/7/2025 Madbkseller had this to say:
Even if I don’t really need anything specific I still have fun poking around at Encore. And I always find many things to bring home. Although very limited in their supply of clothes, they make up for it in the rest of their items. One small room has a few collectibles and , as they should be, are higher priced. Then you open the doors into the warehouse area. Just to hit the highlights you have the Holiday Section with, yes, every kind of holiday decoration, dinnerware, costume, you name it. A small section with medical equipment. An outdoor section with gardening tools. A huge shelf area with glasses, cups, mugs, plates, bowls and a variety of other kitchen items. There are tables full of pots, pans, bakeware, silverware, utensils and more. A huge area with games and puzzles. Framed art and pictures. Oh, and furniture. Tables, chairs (kitchen and front room), just a wide variety. Well, I’m sure I have left something out. Suffice it to say, if you enjoy garage sales and second hand stores you will love this place. I sure do!!! Testimonial written by Madbkseller on this site.

On 8/26/2025 Kim Robles had this to say:
Such a gem in the community! Stephanie and her staffs are incredibly kind and easy to talk to. They do great things for the community and you can definitely feel how much they genuinely care.

On 4/10/2025 Teresa Frazier had this to say:
Nice place.

On 1/6/2025 April Kagel had this to say:
Friendly Helpful Staff. Prices are very affordable. Little bit of everything. Huge warehouse. .

Contact Us

Encore Thrift Store
10840 IL-10 Clinton, IL 61727
Phone: (217) 935-7043
Email: scoonce.encore@outlook.com

Where To Find Us

Payment Types Accepted

American Express, Personal Checks, Debit Cards, Discover, MasterCard, Visa, Apple Pay, PayPal

Our Hours

Monday: Open for donations 9AM-3PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

News

🌟 Don't miss out on amazing finds at Encore Thrift Store! With a wide variety of products, there's something for everyone. And mark your calendars for 99 cent Fridays on select items! Shop smart, shop Encore Thrift Store. 🛍️✨

Don't miss out on the amazing deal at Encore Thrift Store! Every Friday, all clothes and shoes are just 99 cents each. Hurry in and grab some fantastic bargains!

Info

Programs & Opportunities
Construction Info

FAQ

What makes Encore Thrift Store special?

Our mission focuses on providing individuals with disabilities meaningful opportunities for personal growth and employment. Our team gains vocational skills, wages, and social connections while excelling in customer service and store operations. Every purchase supports and empowers our local community.

How can I learn more about your Construction project?

Follow our Facebook Page for frequent updates: https://www.facebook.com/RemovetheR/
Here is a more complete timeline of the project since October 2025: https://www.optimaplatform.com/optimamedia/products/P_36713/792abcb6-0403-4be9-9d2b-5f4f44808e6a.pdf

How large is your store, and can you assist with carrying items to my car?

Our store boasts a 20,000 square foot warehouse filled with an eclectic mix of items.
Yes, our friendly staff is always available to help you carry your treasures to your car.

When are you open for donations?

We are open for donations Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 3 PM. We appreciate your contributions during these hours, helping us make a difference.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept a variety of payment methods including Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, Apple Pay, Venmo, PayPal, Debit Cards, and Cash to ensure a convenient and seamless transaction experience for all our customers.

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