Community Care Programs

Lutheran Thrift Store Holds Successful Grand Opening

Leaders from three organizations were on hand June 9 to officially open the new Blessings Abound Thrift Store. Don Croft (left), president of the Board of Directors for Lutheran Ministry of the Good Shepherd joined Lisa Peck, chair of Metro Lutheran Ministry's Board of Directors, and Bob Boone, president of the Blessings Abound Board of Directors and a representative for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

Shoppers, volunteers and donors all responded in large numbers to the new Blessings Abound Thrift Store, which opened June 9 at 9620 Nall in Overland Park.

“It has gone really well,” said store director Rick Chapman. “We had to open early our first day because people were standing in line outside.”

The Blessings Abound Thrift Store provides quality used merchandise for the area and much-needed additional revenue for the two non-profit organizations. The two, Metro Lutheran Ministry and Lutheran Mission of the Good Shepherd, both serve the homeless and those in need.

Although more are needed for specific days and jobs, the outpouring of volunteers has included volunteers from five to 92. “We've even had a five-year-old and a seven-year-old,” Chapman noted. “They washed toys for the toy department and helped sort. They worked three and one-half hours one day alone. They're doing a really good job.” Others include a 92-year-old woman, teenagers and a college student. Another volunteer even helped create a store Web site at www.blessingsaboundkc.com.

“We still need help picking up large items when we get requests and I could use some more during the week, but overall that's been excellent,” he noted.

The store itself is also receiving good comments. While the inventory changes daily, the store already carries a wide range name brand clothing for adults and children, furniture, books, house wares, picture frames, appliances, televisions, DVD's CD's, sporting goods, pet carriers and more. Blessings Abound emphasizes quality goods at bargain prices.

Metro Lutheran Ministries operates three locations in Jackson, Clay and Wyandotte counties with programs for the homeless, families and individuals in need. Located at 2010 Main, Kansas City, the Lutheran Mission of the Good Shepherd serves both African-Americans and Hispanic individuals and families in the area.

A drop-off site has been established at the rear of the store and it will be staffed Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon; and other times by special appointment. For additional information, to volunteer or for large-item pickup, call the Blessings Abound Thrift Store at 913-648-0700.Leaders from three organizations were on hand June 9 to officially open the new Blessings Abound Thrift Store. Don Croft (left), president of the Board of Directors for Lutheran Ministry of the Good Shepherd joined Lisa Peck, chair of Metro Lutheran Ministry's Board of Directors, and Bob Boone, president of the Blessings Abound Board of Directors and a representative for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.