The Common Heartbeat

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.      Whether it's praying with a crying grandmother worried about her grandchild in the hospital or gathering clothing and blankets for a homeless resident, Common Things is more than just a place to get bargains, Dana said.  "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.

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."