The Treasure Chest: More Than a Thrift Store, A Community Treasure

In communities across Frontenac, few places represent connection, compassion, and opportunity quite like the Treasure Trunk. Since 2006, the second-hand store, located at 12795B Hwy 38 Tichborne, has become a beloved destination for thrift shoppers and treasure finders alike. The Treasure Trunk is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9-3 and Friday, Saturday 10-4. In store, patrons are delighted to find affordable furniture, tools, art, kitchen supplies/appliances, clothing, seasonal items and so much more. New this year the Treasure Trunk has introduced, the holiday hallway, a place where you can stock up on Christmas and holiday season décor all year round! Now, that spirit continues to grow with the exciting addition of the Treasure Chest.

The Treasure Chest is located at 1099 Garrett Street, Sharbot Lake, sharing the building with the Central and North Frontenac Food Bank. The store hours of operation are Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10-4. It is designed with a bright, inviting atmosphere and a beach-inspired charm, the Treasure Chest offers shoppers an enjoyable and affordable thrifting experience while continuing to support the work of Community Living North Frontenac.

The Treasure Chest is more than just a retail store. It is a place where community members come together to volunteer, shop, and support one another. Every rack of clothing, every bookshelf, and every carefully displayed item tells a story of generosity and sustainability. By giving gently used items a second life, the Treasure Chest helps reduce waste while making quality second hand clothing, footwear, books, beach toys, and accessories accessible to everyone.

The Treasure Chest is decorated with bright summer themes, welcoming displays and offers affordable prices. The Treasure Chest has quickly developed its own identity while staying true to the values that made the Treasure Trunk successful. Both locations have a new loyalty program, for every $10 spent, a patron with the loyalty card receives one stamp. When they have 10 stamps, they receive $10 to spend at either store on their next visit.

The primary focus of the Treasure Trunk and the Treasure Chest is the commitment to inclusion through meaning employment. CLNF’s paid pre-employment program offers people supported by Community Living to gain skills in a supportive and encouraging environment such as customer service, organization, teamwork, and retail skills.

The Treasure Trunk and Treasure Chest are also known for giving back to the community in countless ways. They support local schools, the Central and North Frontenac food bank, community events, and social service agencies while helping families and individuals in need. For more information on Community Living North Frontenac please visit clnf.ca and follow The Treasure Trunk & The Treasure Chest on Facebook.

The Treasure Chest is not currently accepting donations as the building does not have the infrastructure in place to sort donations. If you are interested in donating, please continue to bring items to the Treasure Trunk on Hwy 38. Community members that are looking to volunteer with the Treasure Trunk/Chest through Community Living North Frontenac can apply in store. We also have volunteer opportunities available with the Community Living Board of Directors and the chance to build meaningful one-on-one connections with people we support who would enjoy sharing in your recreational interests and activities. Interested persons should apply in person at our main office located at 1084 Elizabeth Street.

Joelle Parr is a Specialized Support Worker for our Employment Services program through Community Living North Frontenac. Joelle along with the Board of Directors maintain both the Treasure Trunk and the Treasure Chest along with a group of exceptional volunteers. “Many thanks to everyone involved in the creation of the Treasure Chest and the continued success of the Treasure Trunk.” CLNF would like to thank all the volunteers and employees for all the hard work you do to keep the stores running in tip-top shape! Lastly, thank you to our faithful customers for your support, feedback and unpaid advertisement.” She states with a laugh.

As the Treasure Trunk expanded its retail space, one thing remains clear: this is not simply a place to shop. It is a place where people connect, where opportunities are created, and where every purchase helps strengthen the local community.

For those who have supported the Treasure Trunk over the years, the Treasure Chest feels like the next exciting chapter in a story built on kindness, inclusivity and community pride.