City Rescue Mission has long utilized their clothing distribution center to provide garments to people in need. The local non-profit will soon be expanding their reach into the used clothing industry with the launch of
City Rescue Mission Upscale Thrift on West Saginaw.
"We have so many people who want to support the rescue, we have stuff we have to give away," says Executive Director Mark Criss. "We decided to be better stewards of the donations by opening a thrift store."
Though City Rescue Mission will continue to provide free clothing to those in need, the new, 10,000 square foot thrift shop will allow the non-profit to give people a new way to support their mission, by shopping, donating or volunteering to help out.
City Rescue Mission Upscale Thrift is a partnership between City Rescue Mission and Holland-based Rescue Mission Alliance. The shop is set to open on May 7, with a grand opening planned for June 5. In addition to providing upscale clothing items and both new and used furniture, Criss hopes the store will help City Rescue Mission spread the word about what the non-profit does.
"We sheltered 142 people per night last year," says Criss. "About 90 of them were women and children at our shelter on S. Cedar Street. Most people are only familiar with our shelter on Michigan Ave. for men."
Work on City Rescue Mission Upscale Thrift has been underway for two years. In addition to being staffed by volunteers, the shop will employ four workers.
Source: Mark Criss, City Rescue Mission Upscale Thrift
Writer: Natalie Burg, Development News Editor
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