Creation Care will offer a program on the vital role of the Methodist Thrift Store in our community at our next monthly meeting, on May 23 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Debra Huffman, the store’s co-manager, will be giving a behind-the-scenes look at the Methodist Thrift Store.
Monthly meetings are held in the fellowship hall of the Community United Methodist Church at 434 Lewis St.
After her talk, Huffman will take attendees on a tour of the facility across the street. A free hot meal will be served by member volunteers.
If you plan to attend, please email Laura Lunsford at lunsforduwf@gmail.com so we have enough food for all. Everybody is welcome to attend.
“Thrift stores provide an important and often overlooked role in community recycling efforts,” said Creation Care co-founder Sarah Riehm. “Your donations to the Thrift Store can significantly reduce the amount of ‘stuff’ that winds up in the landfill.”
The mission of the thrift store is to: provide low-cost, gently used clothing and household items to the local community; provide emergency assistance to those dealing with poverty, domestic abuse or homelessness; provide opportunities for community service; and provide financial support for the community outreach programs of Community United Methodist Church, including the food pantry.
“Refuse,” said Huffman.
She would like to add this 4th “R” to the familiar “Reduce-Reuse-Recycle” mantra.
“The supply of donated used goods far exceeds demand,” she said. “Refuse to make impulse purchases of items that will seldom be used. Refuse to purchase new items until you check to see if there is something in your local thrift or consignment store that would serve the same purpose. Refuse to accept the notion that ‘new and improved’ is indeed an improvement on what you already have.”
She added, “We are a small store, but we have a big impact on our community. In 2023, the Thrift Store served 9,153 customers. Many of these customers are folks trying to stretch a small income to cover the needs of their families. The store has a system for issuing vouchers for those who cannot afford to buy the items they need. Several of the local social service organizations refer their clients to us, along with a list of their most urgent needs.”
She also notes the organization needs volunteers.
With such a small staff, it would be impossible for the store to function without them. In 2023, 23 volunteers helped to sort and clean donations, organize displays, test mechanical and electronic donations, and make minor repairs to donated items.
Contact Huffman or Cathy Dearmon at (970) 264-2572 if you’d like to volunteer.
If you would like to be on the mailing list for our Creation Care monthly meeting announcements or future events, contact sarah.riehm@gmail.com.
