20 min from Chesapeake & Elizabeth City. 30 min from OBX.

More than a thrift store.

10,000 sq. feet of new and used treasures with a must-see furniture showroom.

About Us

Brother’s Keeper was founded in 2001. In 2015, Tom Schuster left the shipyard and joined Brother's Keeper. Tom had a vision to add restored furniture at affordable prices to the store. Today, our 10,000 square foot store in Barco, NC is truly a THRIFTER'S PARADISE - where you'll find everything to furnish your home, refresh your wardrobe, and so much more. We are surrounded by great restaurants and attractions , so come make a day of it. Tom and his wife Mary now operate the store and look forward to growing the business and creating new relationships in the community.

(Pictured: Home furnished by Brother's Keeper)

Our Furniture Is Take Home Ready

We spend a lot of time revitalizing our pieces. From steam cleaning and stain removal, we also sew, fix and replace what is needed from new hardware, paint, and stain. Our pieces are truly brought back to life and are ready for their next chapter in your home.

(Pictured: Home furnished by Brother's Keeper)

“What is the essence of life? To serve others and to do good.” - Aristotle

Without community service, we would not have a strong quality of life. It's the way in which we ourselves grow and develop.

We are proud to provide free medical supplies to those in need in our community (when stocked) from walkers, wheelchairs, canes and crutches. We also provide blankets, towels, bowls and needed items to our local animal shelter. And after hours, you'll find Tom on the field coaching football and attending other youth sporting events with Mary. Tom has volunteered for over 20 years as a coach with Currituck Storm Youth Football.

Get an inside look at our one-of-a-kind, family-owned and operated store.

Watch our feature

Update on Thomas

September 13, 2023

Since our last update, we have installed an HVAC system at his home and have made more repairs to his truck. He uses his truck to run daily errands including buying bottled water by the case. Mary and I also stop by several times a week to assist him with various needs including bringing him clean clothes.

July 6, 2023

Re: Update on Thomas' Housing Situation, Your Generous Donation, and Continuing Our Mission

Dear Donor:

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to provide you with an update regarding the fundraising campaign to build a tiny home for Thomas, the Vietnam Veteran.

First and foremost, I want to express our sincere gratitude, on behalf of myself, Tom Schuster, and my wife Mary, for your generous contribution towards this cause. Your support and compassion have been instrumental in helping us bring hope and dignity to Thomas's life. It is heartwarming to witness the kindness and solidarity our community has shown towards a fellow citizen who has served our country.

However, I want to share an important development that has impacted the progress of the project. The plan was for Thomas's family to take him away for a period of 60 days, allowing us to complete the necessary work on his property without causing any disruption to his daily life. Unfortunately, his family has not been able to take him away as planned, which has significantly affected our ability to proceed with the project.

Despite this unforeseen setback, we want to assure you that we have made extensive efforts to improve Thomas's living conditions. Both Mary and I, along with the generous contributions from individuals like yourself, have provided substantial support. We have cleared his lot twice with heavy equipment, provided him with a new stove for his current trailer, supplied fans, blankets, and new clothes, paid his light bill, purchased firewood, and personally split it for him. We have also repaired steps, addressed his truck's brakes, calipers, title, and registration, and contributed funds gathered through our store's donation jar to acquire various items for his comfort and facilitate necessary tasks such as trash disposal. Furthermore, we have made numerous visits to his house, delivering food and meeting his immediate needs, such as purchasing underwear. Our aim has always been to create a better living environment for Thomas, and we have spared no effort or expense in doing so.

Regrettably, Thomas has made the difficult decision to decline the offer of a tiny home on his land. The reasons for his decision are deeply personal, and he has requested that we respect his wishes. While we are disheartened by this outcome, we firmly believe in the importance of honoring an individual's autonomy and choices.

Given these circumstances, we want to express our gratitude once again for your support and understanding throughout this journey. Your contribution, whether it is redirected or refunded, will help us continue our mission of bringing positive change to those in need within our community. Should you prefer not to have your donation refunded, we would be honored to utilize those funds to support other individuals facing similar challenges. Your generosity can make a significant difference in their lives, and we will ensure that your contribution continues to have a positive impact.

If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us directly at 252-453-0104. We value your support and want to ensure that you are informed and involved in our ongoing endeavors.

Once again, thank you for your understanding and for standing by us throughout this journey. Your compassion and generosity have made a significant difference in the lives of individuals like Thomas, and we remain committed to our mission of helping those in need within our community.

Warmest regards,

Tom and Mary Schuster Owners, Brothers Keeper Thrift in Barco

11/16/22 VIDEO UPDATE ON THOMAS: https://youtu.be/HSe0hDxhEoc

A few months ago, Thomas came to Brothers Keeper and bought some furniture. We offered to deliver for him as we knew he was unable to lift the pieces. My heart broke when I saw his trailer and property. Thomas' living conditions are bleak -- his trailer is in disrepair with the roof caving in. He has no running water, no AC. No one should live like this -- especially someone who served our country. Thomas served in the Navy for 22 years and is a Vietnam Vet. We are raising funds to build Thomas a tiny home to be put on his land where he can live with dignity. We are working with the County and Next Steps for Veterans but also need financial help. The money raised will go to building materials as area contractors are donating their time to do the build. We will build the home behind Brothers Keeper so you can see firsthand the progress being made with the build. Let's help Thomas today!