God’s Goods Thrift Store opened for business on July 31, 2010. At that time, approximately 60 volunteers, staffed the ALL VOLUNTEER store.
Over the past 11 years, the volunteer base has grown to just over 300. More than 500 volunteers have served since God’s Goods began. The store remains entirely staffed by volunteers, many of whom are not members of The Church of the Cross…managed by an all-volunteer Leadership Team.
God’s Goods began after a mission trip to Belize in 2009 by members of The Church of the Cross. Inspired by the need to share our over-abundance of blessings, God’s Goods was born and, in the eleven years since, has generated just over 3 million dollars to the mission field. 100% of the proceeds from our thrift store benefit mission work locally, nationally and internationally.
In addition to the money raised and given to the mission field through our Missions Outreach Board, God’s Goods also has given hundreds of thousands of dollars in goods to the many needs in our community, around the nation, and around the globe. God has orchestrated just the right means to get merchandise to just the right places. Some of the bigger outreach efforts have been to Puerto Rico (following Hurricane damage), where over 100 bins of clothing and other needs went on a cargo ship to Puerto Rico where they were distributed by a church. Another amazing outreach was when a local community member heard of an orphanage demolished by a storm in West Virginia – we sent the entire inventory of children’s clothing and some other items needed to help there. Most recently when Hampton County was devastated by tornados last year, volunteers did a drive to supply paper products and other needed items and then followed up with six truck and trailer loads of furniture for individual families in need.
Outreach efforts continue on a weekly basis with “God’s Gifts” which is held in conjunction with The Church of the Cross Food Bank distribution every Monday. “God’s Gifts” include clothing, linens, household items, toys and miscellaneous items that are gifted to those in need.
God’s Goods website and The Church of the Cross website Mission page share more information on the many mission outreach efforts which God’s Goods proceeds have supported.
God has been doing such an amazing job bringing forward just the right people, with just the right gifts and talents to run what has become quite a tremendous outreach. New volunteers are always needed and welcomed to help move furniture, greet guests, process donations and the many other functions necessary to run this amazing place. Most volunteers commit just 3-4 hours per week to make it all happen. Click here to contact Linda to learn more about volunteering!
Many from the greater Bluffton and Hilton Head communities have been so generous with not only time and talent, but also with their treasures which they have so generously provided.
We want to say a huge thank you to all! We are truly blessed to be a blessing!
Kim Perri