There aren't many places in Wareham that you can purchase a tabletop croquet set from 1926, handmade crocheted baby clothing, and sports memorabilia, all while helping local families.

But for Outside the Box, recently opened at 83 Sandwich Road, that selection is not unusual.

"It's a matter of helping the community," said Russ Brady, who is operating the establishment.

Brady recently took over the small shop, which was formerly called People Helping People. Like its predecessor, the thrift shop operates off of donations, which it resells to the community to raise money for People Helping People, a nonprofit. A percentage of the merchandise sold goes to the organization.

Run by The Rev. Terry Smith, People Helping People assists the local homeless population, people struggling with drug addiction, and anyone else in need of help.

Smith was relocating to Florida and asked Brady to help him continue his mission to help the community, Brady said. Brady and his wife, Cathy, took on the challenge of cleaning up the property and keeping the store open for longer hours. Brady organized the piling-up donations, put a coat of paint on the building, and cleaned up the shop.

"We did a face-lift," said Brady, who has years of experience selling sports memorabilia and sells some of his items at the shop. "We're carrying on People Helping People and expanding it."

The shop now offers consignments. Brady said he hopes that service will be another option for community members who are struggling. He also offers to put items on popular auction website ebay.com - where he sells some of his memorabilia - in an effort to sell them faster.

"A lot of people are too proud ... to take help from a charity," Brady pointed out, noting that perhaps those people would feel more comfortable consigning items to get a few extra dollars instead of asking for help.

Outside the Box is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m on Saturdays. Donations are accepted during that time. The shop also accepts nonperishable food, which it will give to customers in-need or donate to a food pantry.

Donations "will go to good use," Brady noted. "If I can't use it here, it will go to some charitable cause."

For more information about Outside the Box, e-mail outsidethebox@comcast.net.

Check out the photo gallery to see some of the items found at Outside the Box!