(Amanda Leeser) - St. Paul UMC in Gulf Breeze, Florida, is opening a thrift store. It is aptly named New Hope Thrift Store because it is located on New Hope Road and because it will be a source of new hope for the area. “The community needs this,” Rev. Christina Shaver says, “We receive requests for clothes and school supplies from the community.”
The idea for the New Hope Thrift Store came from looking for alternative sources of income to help serve a purpose in the community and as a way to make use of the old parsonage at St. Paul UMC. “We could fix up a property we already have. It wasn’t a huge investment, and it will be used for a really good purpose,” explains Pastor Christina.
Although it will be a smaller thrift store, it will still have the usual items expected, such as clothes, home décor, books, small furniture, kitchen products, and the like. They are building more storage next door where they can keep larger pieces of furniture.
Pastor Christina hopes others can find creative ways to reach out to the community. “We’re really excited. It’s an important way to support the church and ministry.”
New Hope Thrift Store will have its grand opening in mid-November. Check out their Facebook page for updates.