Looming health issues, blindness, depression, not believing in God, experiencing great disappointment in life, widowed… BUT longing for connection, love, hugs, acceptance, a feeling of value and a place to belong. Individuals of all cultures, social status and ethnicities have discovered what the practicing love of God is like and what it feels like to belong, be accepted, find purpose, and experience the unconditional Love of a Savior.  We thank God for these opportunities! ♥

One day a police office came to the front doors of our store and asked if we could help with something. Just down the street there was a man who at first appearance had been causing a ruckus, but it had turned out he was just disoriented and had lost his cane. The officer asked if we happened to have one in-store. We did have several. The officer selected one (at no charge) and set it out to give it to the gentleman in need. Thank you, to whoever donated that cane! ♥

Addison came with a homeless young adult housing group to volunteer and receive needed items in return. When we met in a little prayer circle before beginning work Addison stood to the side, her hoodie pulled down low over her eyes. When asked to help carry items she said she’d rather not. She was paired with JoAnn, a volunteer with an eye for displays… and soon we saw Addison going from place to place stocking shelves, arranging, humming a tune! When time came she did not want to leave! We ended up hiring Addison and all Summer her smiling face and joyful enthusiasm became a welcome fixture at the store! Shortly before leaving town for a better housing situation Addison requested to lead devotions, even though she wasn’t the best at reading. We miss Addison, but we are thankful for the part we played in her life. ♥

Dana came in with her family needing furniture and other household items. She volunteered in trade for the items. Then, we didn’t see her anymore. One day we received a call from a mental institution. Dana wanted us to know she was okay. She said she had been institutionalized but knew we were the one group of people that cared and would pray for her. Dana asked if we would send her books and literature on God. We did send her a box (literature, a Bible, devotional books, pretty things for her room we found right on our store shelves). We continued in communication with Dana for some time. ♥

Destiny was blind and starving when we met her. Her only sustenance was a frozen pizza which she would take out, let thaw enough to gnaw on(raw), and return to her freezer. Working with her landlord, we were able to get furnishings in her apartment, food, clothing and needed personal care items. Once a week we began to walk over and bring her back (less than a block from the store) to help hang up clothing and eat lunch with volunteers while we did her laundry. Destiny came to trust us enough to greet us with hugs and share (sometimes tearfully) in our morning sharing/prayer time. ♥

Georgia had so much bitterness when we met, she’d shut most everyone out of her life, especially anything to do with church. BUT— she was drawn by the good deals and acceptance she felt and LOVED shopping at the thrift store! She began interacting with staff and volunteers… volunteering herself… and it wasn’t long before she joined a Bible study, began attending church, and accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior! We watched as her bitterness softened and melted away, revealing a joyful and very jolly personality! The next 1 1/2 yrs brought many hardships including death of her husband, flareup of her own health issues and a hospital stay ending in death. But through it all she had people surrounding her who cared, and best of all we know she is now in heaven because she trusted Jesus as her Savior! ♥