Ribbon Cut for New Thrift Store

Supporters, volunteers and clients joined Mary Roberts, executive director of Hands of Christ – A Duluth Cooperative Ministry, at a ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening for the new Hands of Christ Community Thrift Store Saturday (June 23).

The ministry is housed in a building at 3395 Fox Street off Buford Highway. (Turn into the Proctor Square Apartments to find the building.)

The Hands of Christ Community Food Pantry, which dispenses food and other assistance to needy individuals and families, is located on the ground floor. The Hands of Christ Community Thrift Store fills the 5,000-square-foot basement with gently used and lovingly donated men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, furniture, and household items for sale at bargain prices. The ministry owns the entire building.

After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the doors to the thrift store were opened for shopping.

“All funds from the thrift shop will go back into the ministry to help serve people in need in the community," Roberts said.

Roberts introduced Howard Comer, who will manage the thrift store. She recognized State Rep. Brooks Coleman, Duluth Merchants Association President Jim Johnson, Judy Gagne, representing the Women’s Club of Sugarloaf Country Club Charities; Spencer Heating and Air Conditioning; Harvey Anderson of the Home Repair Ministry at Perimeter Church; Geoff and Nancy Rausch, and Paul Kesmodel for their support of the ministry and assistance with opening the thrift store. Kesmodel serves as president of the ministry's board of directors.

Plants and landscaping materials for the building were donated by Johns Creek Presbyterian Church, Perimeter Church and Woody’s Nursery. Volunteers from Johns Creek Presbyterian Church did the planting.

Initial hours for the thrift store will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. For more information call 770-232-7454.

The food pantry operates from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Call 770-623-9563 for appointments.

The Hands of Christ Ministry is supported by local churches, merchants, food drives, and donations.