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Community Corner

MUST Marketplace Opening

MUST Ministries opens thrift store to support services

MUST Marketplace launches Jan. 16

 

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(Jan. 9, 2014 -- Marietta, GA) --- An exciting new approach to becoming more sustainable is beginning this month at MUST Ministries, according to Dr. Ike Reighard, President and CEO. After months of research and strategic planning, MUST Ministries is opening a 4,600-sq.-ft. thrift store to help fund the organizations commitment to helping area residents move from poverty to stability.

“After analyzing many resources, it became abundantly clear that the organization has generous in-kind donors who bring more than enough clothing, housewares, furniture,  art work, small appliances, baby items and more to the Donation Center.  Allocating the excess items to a thrift shop concept allows MUST to continue giving clothing to clients, and to sell the “extra” to gain funds for our important mission,” Reighard announced.

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“Clients will now have the option to purchase items in addition to the free vouchers they receive, giving them a feeling of parity and not just charity. Financial donors and other donors bringing items to the Donation Center were surveyed and overwhelmingly supported MUST's need to acquire a new income stream and favored the thrift store concept.,” he explained.  

“This concept is very exciting on many levels. We give clients the dignity of shopping in a nice store, we give donors an opportunity to make a difference by what they give to the store, we invite the public in to shop and see the great work we’re doing here and we help sustain our programs with the proceeds.”

The large store, open Tuesday – Saturday, 10-6, is housed in remodeled space at the current Program Services location at 1407 Cobb Parkway North location to prevent additional expense for rent. Reighard explained that MUST has been blessed with high quality donations that will help make this approach successful.

“We receive wonderful donations that will continue to benefit our clients and those items sold will also benefit our clients. We hope our supporters will donate high-end items like designer clothes, fashionable jewelry, desirable electronics and quality furniture to further help the store.” MUST Marketplace donations can be taken to the MUST Donation Center at 55 Chastain Road, Suite 110, Kennesaw, Tuesday-Saturday, 9-5.

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