to know you're giving back to your neighbors. The (members) like to keep it in their community as well - that makes them give more when they know it's staying at home."
Common Things Thrift Store
A Good Deal More Than Just a Good Deal!
Dana Hinson has been a fixture at Common Things Thrift Store for three years as a volunteer. Now, she's also the part-time store manager. But she's constantly "humbled" by the way volunteers andcustomers step up to help those in need.
"It's amazing to see that it's not only about faith. It's about the heart of the people who are here," she said. | .jpg)
One of Dana's favorite stories to share happened during the store's recent $5 bag sale.
Six customers in one day left $5 to $10 extra to allow volunteers to allow other customers to get their bags for free. The random act of kindness started with a morning customer who donated
$25 to be used to help other customers get free bags of clothing.
One of the customers who benefited from these acts of kindness started crying when she heard her clothing would be free thanks to the generosity of other customers.
"She said she really didn't have the money, but
because of the bag sale, she was going to make it happen. She was waiting for a sale like this to get her kids clothes, but that meant something else was being sacrificed," Dana said.
Seeing customers show kindness is something Common Things volunteers never tire of seeing.
"We feel humbled because it's one thing for us volunteers to give -- we know the back story of this place. But it makes my heart completely at ease to see customers jump in and get excited about helping a total stranger," Dana said. "Common Things is way more than just a thrift store. It's a place that accepts brokenness because we all have it."
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Spring is a time for renewal and new projects. Beginning in just a few days, we will be kicking off our Kickstart Kindness Campaign. Kickstart Kindness is our spring campaign to gather the food, funds and volunteers we need to do all the good we have planned this year. It is because of this campaign that we will be able to keep both our food pantries well equipped to serve our neighbors in need.
"Sam" is a close personal friend of mine. Disability and the death of a loved one have put my friend and his wife in a terrible place financially. He has more than once asked me for a $25 loan so he can pick up the needed medicine for his wife. I would give him my last dollar to help. (And sometimes I have). Hey, what are friends for? I am so glad that I can use the Cupboard to provide a week's worth of groceries each month for them. It makes a huge difference for them!
It is because of "Sam" and the 549 other families we serve each month that we created the Cupboard over 8 years ago, so we can help our neighbors in need. We all need a little love and help sometimes.
In this newsletter you'll read about other ways Common Heart is equipping people to serve and the impact that is being made. As you do, would you consider how you can be more fully engaged in spreading kindness and demonstrating God's love?
Here are some of the things you can do as the Kickstart Kindness campaign gets underway:
Thanks for being our friend. During Common Heart's "Year of the Neighbor" look for ways to love your neighbor. The best way to "kickstart kindness" is to be kind.
- Become a Patron of the Heart monthly donor. These folks are the base of our support. Because of our Patrons, we have the sure knowledge that we can continue to press ahead serving our neighbors in need. Find out more here.
- You could kick it up a notch by becoming a Kickstarter for us. We are recruiting friends and supporters who will help us find the funding we need for this "small revolution of kindness." You will be armed with a simple app and website and you can ask your friends to help you Kickstart Kindness by donating to the cause. Become a Kickstarter here.
- You could get down and dirty in the trenches by hosting a food drive for our pantries. We have a goal to collect 15,000 pounds of groceries this spring to stock up for the summer months. Ask your work colleagues, friends, church members, neighbors, and anyone you know to donate food and bring it in for Common Cupboard. Register your food drive here.
Thank you donors, supporters, and friends. Our new truck complete with decals, ready to serve!
With one common heart,Keith AdamsExecutive Director
Common Heart
Would you like to donate online? CLICK HERE.
Or you can mail your check to Common Heart, PO Box 2761, Indian Trail, NC 28079
