Carrboro Thrift Store Closes After 73 Years

CommunityWorx, previously known as PTA Thrift Shop, shutters its doors after over seven decades of serving the local community.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 8:55pm

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A unique thrift store in Carrboro, North Carolina, that offered clothing, housewares, furniture, and books has officially closed after 73 years of operation. The closure decision came after the passing of long-serving Executive Director Barbara Jessie-Black, whose innovative leadership played a crucial role in enhancing local employment opportunities, economic advancement, and community ties.

Why it matters

The CommunityWorx thrift shop has served not only as a place to shop, but as a place where opportunity was created daily. The store's closure marks the end of an era for a mission-driven social enterprise that championed the belief that everyone deserves dignity, stability, and a chance to thrive in the Carrboro and Chapel Hill community.

The details

Established in 1952 by the Chapel Hill Art Guild, CommunityWorx, previously known as PTA Thrift Shop, has been a nonprofit staple in the heart of Carrboro and Chapel Hill. The store has relocated multiple times within Chapel Hill and Carrboro over the decades, finally settling at its last address of 125 West Main St. in 2007 with an on-site donation facility. In November 2019, the name was officially changed to CommunityWorx. Despite the closure, a local nonprofit partner, Extraordinary Ventures, plans to open a new thrift store in the West Main Street location soon, aiming to create job opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

  • CommunityWorx was established in 1952 by the Chapel Hill Art Guild.
  • In the first three months of operation, the nonprofit successfully raised $1,200 to hire the first art teacher.
  • By 1979, the store secured its first permanent location by purchasing a building at 103 Jones Ferry Road in Carrboro.
  • In 1980, a second location was leased and opened in Kroger Plaza, now known as Village Plaza, on South Elliott Road.
  • In 2007, the store moved to its final address at 125 West Main St. and included an on-site donation facility.

The players

Dawn Edgerton

The Director of CommunityWorx.

Barbara Jessie-Black

The long-serving Executive Director of CommunityWorx, whose innovative leadership played a crucial role in enhancing local employment opportunities, economic advancement, and community ties.

Extraordinary Ventures

A local nonprofit partner that plans to open a new thrift store in the West Main Street location soon, aiming to create job opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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What they’re saying

“Her dedication to Carrboro and the greater Chapel Hill community shaped CommunityWorx into a model for mission-driven social enterprise.”

— Dawn Edgerton, Director of CommunityWorx

“For years, the CommunityWorx thrift shop has served not only as a place to shop, but as a place where opportunity was created daily. Barbara championed the belief that everyone deserves dignity, stability, and a chance to thrive.”

— Dawn Edgerton, Director of CommunityWorx

“We are permanently closed and thank the community for all of your past support.”

— Dawn Edgerton, Director of CommunityWorx

What’s next

Plans to further celebrate and preserve Barbara Jessie-Black's legacy will be shared with the community in the months ahead.

The takeaway

The closure of CommunityWorx, a mission-driven social enterprise that championed community values and provided job opportunities for decades, marks the end of an era in Carrboro and Chapel Hill. However, the legacy of the store's innovative leadership and commitment to serving the local community will continue through the planned opening of a new thrift store by a local nonprofit partner.