Lisa Drew said a customer at Priceville Community Thrift Store recently asked her if she knew how happy the store made people.
“I said, ‘I know it does my heart good to serve in this ministry,’ and he said, ‘Everyone in here is smiling. They are happy they have found treasures and/or things they need,’” Drew said.
Drew, who serves as a volunteer at the thrift store as well as on its board of directors, said Priceville Community Thrift Store is an opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the community.
The store, which is a ministry of Shoal Creek Baptist Church in Decatur, is totally volunteer-run.
Steadman Livingston, associate pastor at Shoal Creek, said they utilize all of the proceeds from the thrift store to cover the benevolent needs in Morgan County.
“They assist folks with food, utilities, medical supplies and other needs,” he said. “They also give monthly to various organizations in our community that help with the homeless, kids who need clothing and hygiene items, food banks and more.”
Serving others
Drew said the “more” can include providing clothing to people entering rehabilitation, and they also collect medical equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, canes, potty chairs and shower benches.
“We donate them to individuals in need,” she said.
Drew said they make a point to let people know that the thrift store is about serving others.
“People know this and will donate above the cost of their purchase,” she said. “People are always telling us that they shop at our store because they see what we do for the community.”
She said the ministry is made possible by God and the 20-30 people who volunteer, as well as those who donate items and the customers who shop there.
“We are truly blessed by what and the amount we receive,” Drew said. “Our volunteers serve through the giving of their time and abilities to manage financial affairs, receive and prepare items for sale, and handle the day-to-day activities of a store. Most of our volunteers are members of Shoal Creek, but not all. We have many in the community that see what we do and want to serve as well.”
For more information, visit shoalcreekbaptist.org/thriftstore.
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