Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Good Stuf in TEC: Florida


Church thrift store opening is a success

In today's economy, people need every little bit of help they can get.

That's why the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Avon Park decided to open a thrift store, said the Rev. Joyce Holmes.

"We're living in some tough times," Holmes said. "In this particular county, it's tougher than most. This isn't intended to buy another acre of land, just reach out to our neighbors."

Last Saturday about 100 people attended the opening day of the church's thrift store.

"There were people waiting at the door at 7:30 a.m.," said Blanche Chafe, parishioner.

About 35 percent of the items available were sold by volunteers. Clothing was a top-seller, although other needed goods were snapped up quickly. Most clothing items went for $2 a piece or two items for $3, Chafe said. Money earned from the event will go toward a church building fund, Holmes said.

"We want to build a real church," Chafe said.

When Holmes arrived in Avon Park eight years ago, there were just 16 parishioners on the church roster.

The congregation worshipped in a building "that hadn't been attended to in 67 years," she said.

Now there are 150 people who worship in a 6,000-square-foot metal, multi-purpose building. And the church has long-term plans to build a larger 450-seat building.

The rest-

http://www2.highlandstoday.com/content/2009/may/26/la-church-thrift-store-opening-is-a-success/

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