Tucked away among the auto shops and car dealerships just off Main Street lies a small store with a long history. The Garret Thrift Shop is a cornerstone of the community and a favorite among Walnut Creek thrifters for more than 65 years. The Garret proves that the best treasures are often found in the most unexpected places.
Far more than a simple retail space, The Garret is the largest fundraising arm of the John Muir Health, Walnut Creek Medical Center Auxiliary. It has helped contribute more than $20 million to support John Muir Health’s Walnut Creek Medical Center over the decades. From purchasing state-of-the-art medical equipment to funding essential programs and facility upgrades, every purchase transforms a pre-owned item into a tangible healthcare resource for the community.
Started in 1959, the Auxiliary began as a grassroots effort led by a small group of determined women who organized bridge luncheons and fashion shows to fund a yet-to-be-built hospital. Their work helped lay the foundation for John Muir Memorial Hospital , where they later became its first in-service volunteers when it opened in 1965. Today, that vision has expanded into a network of fundraising efforts, including The Garret Thrift Shop, the Muir Galleria Gift Shop, and an annual golf tournament. Together, these initiatives support programs such as student scholarships, the Wig Source, which provides free wigs for women experiencing hair loss while undergoing chemotherapy, and the Trauma Closet for patients needing new clothing, extending the Auxiliary’s reach beyond the hospital walls.
The engine behind this success is a dedicated team of volunteers, many with deep personal ties to John Muir
Health. Some are former employees or patients, while others have benefited from Auxiliary-funded programs like Wig Source or first discovered The Garret as shoppers. Their care and attention to detail are evident throughout the store, from tested electronics to boutique-quality clothing carefully selected for the sales floor. This shared sense of purpose creates an atmosphere that feels welcoming, intentional, and rooted in service.
For long-time volunteer Joye Morris, the joy of volunteering comes from the atmosphere the team creates. She finds her favorite part of the day is greeting customers and brightening their day. “When you come into The Garret, it’s always filled with lots of smiley faces,” Morris shares. “I like to go places that sparkle and make people happy.”
While The Garret is known as a great place to shop, it also serves as a community hub where people come to connect. Shoppers visit not only to browse but also to spend time with friends, catch up with familiar volunteers, or continue long held traditions. This bond is best described by longtime customer Jari Hazard. When asked what keeps her returning so frequently, she shared: “The prices and I come because the people here feel like family. The Garret has the nicest volunteers, and shopping here has been the high point of my week for the last 20 years.” Many shoppers like Hazard return week after week, building traditions and connections that extend beyond the store itself.
In an era of fast fashion and one-click shopping, The Garret offers something different, a chance to slow down and discover items with a story. Its model also supports sustainability by giving pre-owned goods new life while reducing waste.
More than six decades after its founding, The Garret continues to embody compassion, resourcefulness, and community. Whether you arrive in search of a hidden treasure or simply a familiar face, you leave knowing your presence supports something far greater, a tradition of care that continues to shape the community one purchase at a time.
By Brian Corona, Store Manager