For more than three decades, Karman Korner has woven itself into the fabric of the Stillwater community. A nonprofit resale store founded wholly on a mission of care.
The story begins well before the store itself opened its doors. In the 1970s, Judith Karman served as a patient advocate for Stillwater Medical. Known for her compassion and dedication, Karman Korner is a piece of her legacy that continues on today. Karman Korner is powered by community donations, with proceeds directly supporting patients undergoing treatment at Stillwater Medical.
“I’ve worked for large companies,” said Store Manager Whitney Johnson. “This is different. We make money that goes to the patients, and it makes you feel good about what you are doing.”
Karman Korner officially opened in 1994. Over the years, the store moved locations—once sharing a building where nurses worked upstairs and the shop operated below—before settling into its current home 819 S. Main Street. This year, Karman Korner celebrates 32 years of service, a milestone rooted in consistency, community trust and a clear purpose.
“It’s kind of amazing when you think about how long this store has been part of Stillwater,” said Johnson. “People really feel connected to it.”
Inside the store, the shelves tell a story of generosity. Clothing, household items, fabric and unique finds arrive daily through donations from individuals across Stillwater, many of them connected to the hospital. Those donations are carefully sorted, priced and displayed by a small staff and a dedicated team of volunteers. Pricing is often a collaborative process, blending experience, research and teamwork to keep items affordable while maximizing support for the mission.
“We try to be fair and thoughtful,” Johnson explained. “Everything we do here is to make sure the money goes where it’s needed.”
At the heart of Karman Korner is its people. Johnson has spent 18 years guiding daily operations, supported by volunteers whose commitment spans generations. Some help weekly; others come in just a few hours a month. Tasks vary widely—working the register, sorting donations, measuring and preparing fabric, or assisting wherever help is needed.
Volunteering at Karman Korner is intentionally flexible. New volunteers are invited to tour the store and share what interests them most, allowing them to contribute in ways that suit their skills, schedules, and needs. College students, retirees, and community members all find a place, even if only for a short time. What matters most is the willingness to help.
“It doesn’t matter if you can only come in a few hours a month,” Johnson said. “Anything helps, and we’ll find something that fits you.”
The proceeds from the store directly support patients connected to Stillwater Medical. In just the past year, Karman Korner distributed $128,000 in grants to help meet essential needs not covered by insurance. These funds—generated through store sales, with supplemental grant support—have assisted with everything from gas cards for treatment travel to medical equipment and end-of-life needs.
Beyond grants, Karman Korner also responds to immediate community needs. Vouchers provided to local nonprofits, schools, churches, and social service organizations allow individuals and families to receive clothing and essentials at no cost.
Donations remain the lifeblood of Karman Korner. The store accepts items Tuesday through Saturday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., with flexibility available by phone when needed. Nearly everything is welcomed, with a few exceptions such as TVs, computer equipment, and bed pillows. Shoppers and donors alike are encouraged to follow Karman Korner’s Facebook page, where weekly sales and highlights are shared each Monday.
“Our donors are our rock stars,” Johnson said, “because they keep us going.”
As Karman Korner looks ahead, its purpose remains unchanged: to turn generosity into tangible care. Built on decades of volunteerism and compassion, the store continues to be a steady presence in Stillwater—one where every donation, purchase, and hour volunteered helps carry forward a legacy of support for patients when they need it most.
