Yesterday, Freedom House Thrift opened in the former location of Tuesday Morning, on North Battleground in the same plaza where Big Lots is located. They had a smaller store a few doors up; however, that plaza will undergo major renovations and some buildings replaced. The new location must be three times the size for the retail portion and the back room for processing is large. They can process as much as they need there, even prepare bales that must move on to another place. The store is bright, clean, and impeccably staged with vignettes by master designer Lori Gray. The Greensboro community answered the call to send in donations to stock the store and, at least on opening day, there were plenty of volunteers to wait on customers and to keep restocking shelves. The store actually has well-labeled departments. Other than not having duplicate items, you would think you are in a regular retail store. Everything, except the antiques, is nearly new.
The thrift store is a way for Freedom House to make money to fund their Christ-centered, residential facility for mothers struggling with addiction to receive treatment. Freedom house is a large community where participants work and live together for a year and than graduate, but continue with support and to help each other. It was the vision of Ann Reilly who got it started in 2006. Nineteen years later, the program continues to thrive. The thrift shop keeps items out of landfills, gives their shoppers great items at a reasonable cost and the money helps women and families in need. Read more about the program HERE, and head to North Battleground to see the new store. And if you do not shop thrift stores, do consider items to this store that is local.
Happy Friday!
Comments