1930-1949

In 1935 the Junior League Gift and Antique Shop became known as the Junior League Thrift Shop. In 1947 the Thrift Shop became a League mainstay when it changed its name again (this time for good) and celebrated the grand opening of the Bargain Box on Summit Avenue.

After only two years at that location, the Bargain Box made a move that would set the tone for years to come. The Bargain Box would move six more times in only 30 years — 145 Bishop Street, 117 South Davie Street, 218 South Greene Street, 908 North Eugene Street, 113 South Elm Street, and finally, 122 North Elm Street. Regardless of where it is located, the Bargain Box has proved itself a successful fixture in downtown Greensboro.

In 1946, the Junior League contributed $7,000 to pay the salary of the first director of the Family and Children’s Service. In 1983, the League continued its support of Family and Children’s Service by contributing $50,000 toward the purchase of a house to be known as Clara House.

Clara House is Greensboro’s only shelter for domestic violence victims and their children and is operated by Family and Children’s Service. Clara House provides a safe haven, as well as counseling and social work services, for victims of domestic violence.

On July 16, 1997, Clara House suffered a fire that displaced 22 women and children. Family and Children’s Service came to the Junior League and requested funds to help provide temporary housing and food for these women and children. As part of the annual budget, the League allocates money to its Community Impact Fund (CIF) which is available to nonprofit agencies for short-term emergency needs that fall within the League’s focus. The CIF Committee unanimously agreed that this request would fall under the guidelines set up for the Fund and provided $1,500 to assist the residents of Clara House.