About Us... Why We Exist

Mission Statement: To be a light in the community by paying it forward with the people we assist, the goods we handle, the environment we preserve and the charities we aid.

Vision Statement: Gatherings will give back to the community by providing a platform for folks to pay it forward. Whether one is donating, shopping or volunteering, we desire to create a life changing community within the thrift store and beyond by encouraging folks to explore one’s passions and giftings; utilizing them to benefit others - paying it forward thus gaining a strong sense of fulfillment in life.

Purpose: Gatherings Emporium's purpose is to conduct business where every purchase is a gift back to the community by giving a portion of its profits to local charities and to benefit the community in various other ways with donations, mentor programs and community activities.
Purpose in detail:
  • We seek to financially benefit with our profits other local non-profit organizations which fall under the 501(c) (3) section of the internal revenue code and are operated exclusively for educational and charitable purposes.
  • We provide social awareness by featuring one of the local charities each month bringing knowledge of the good things that they are doing for the community.
  • We benefit additional community 501(c) 3 organizations with goods we donate to support their specific missions.
  • We also benefit the community by offering opportunities for job mentoring of at-risk youth, adults and the mentally disabled. This provides opportunities for these individuals giving them a helping hand up on their journey for greater quality of life.
  • We benefit the environment by using “green” practices. We use non-toxic cleaners. We strive to leave a minimal impact on the landfills as we recycle much of our non-working electronics, recyclables and clothing by partnering with relevant organizations that recycle these items.
  • We benefit third world communities by purchasing water wells with donated spare change collected in a designated jar.
  • We benefit the community by offering Community Service opportunities to folks who need a safe and positive environment to fulfill their hours.
  • We benefit the community by offering support groups or craft classes promoting good-will within our local community.
  • Lastly, we offer volunteer opportunity to folks such as seniors and veterans looking for meaningful and purposeful work to gain a sense of fulfillment in life.
A Green Business: We will be able to guarantee our community that we are operating using
  • Recycled products
  • energy reduction practices
  • no toxic chemicals
  • less water
  • waste reduction using recycling programs
Our Local Charities Partners: We partner with six (6) local community charities and give our patrons a choice which charity their shopping dollars benefit.
Menu of Charities we serve
  • Morning Star Youth Ranch
  • Applause Children's Theater
  • RISE |Respect|Inspire|Support|Empower
  • PAWS Cause
  • Coats for Kids
Gatherings in the News:
  • Since 2013, Alesen Corella and the Gatherings Thrift team has worked with a mission to be a light in the community by using the thrift shop as a platform to pay-it-forward. The business model gives patrons the opportunity to select from a list of local charities to give back to after shopping at the store — and Corella opened a Paso Robles location called
Gatherings Emporium opened its doors in time for the Elegant Evening in November 2017, with Singing Hands Choir performing on stage for the event. The large space is laid out with clothing on the right hand and a local items showcase on the left — where local artists and vendors can rent open space to show off a variety of goods.
Cause for Paws, which donates proceeds to local spay and neuter programs takes residence, as well as other interesting vendors that qualify as must see. Really, you need to take a spin inside to see what you are missing.
Corella set the Emporium up with an open concept where local vendor goods are blended throughout to give the store an easy flow. The bottom line for Corella is how much the new Emporium can give back to the community. “It is a really unique business model,” Corella said, “and we are targeting the locals. We want them to have a place to shop downtown. It is exciting. A woman today was finding treasures she liked, and she bought a lot. I know we will get the tourists, but I want to give back to the community, and make it a place the community enjoys coming in.” Visit Gatherings Emporium at 1335 Park Street, or call 369-2599 or email us at [email protected]