History of the

Yellow Brick Road Benefit Shop

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Then: In 1988 Shirin Snyder, the wife of Pastor John Snyder at Carmel Presbyterian Church, had a dream to model Christian values of faith, love and service, using the many varied talents of the congregation to work together in harmony for God through service to the Monterey Peninsula community.

 

From that initial group of women who first gathered gently used clothing and made it available to those in need, under Carmel Presbyterian Church’s non-profit 501(c)(3) status, God has blessed the work of the Yellow Brick Road Benefit shop, which now serves all of Monterey County. 

 

Now: The Main Shop has grown more than four times its original size, and in 2015 a new Furniture & Art Shop was added just around the corner from the Main Shop. In the same year, the Book Shop became its own separate space. Today, Yellow Brick Road Benefit Shop employs an Executive Director and approximately twelve dedicated staff members who work together with more than 80 volunteers. A volunteer Board of Directors oversees the policies and operations of the organization.

 

Not only have the physical space and staff grown in 30 years, so also has our service to the Monterey Community. Yellow Brick Road has met some of the most profound needs in the area through grants and scholarships totaling more than $6.6 million to date. We continue to be recognized and honored throughout the County for our exceptional impact.