After many years of praying, dreaming, thinking and planning, Faith United Methodist Church in Hunter Run has launched a mobile thrift store, Bargains & Blessings Community Closet. When a search for a suitable location for the store failed, the idea of ​​a mobile thrift store was presented and put into action. The church outreach team kicked off in late 2021 to make this ministry a reality.

“With the church being in a rural setting, we have to be prepared to get out into the community,” said Pastor Mark Johnson.

Bargains & Blessings debuted this summer during food bank hours at both Blanchard Church of Christ and Howard United Methodist Church. Outreach was also on hand at Liberty Baptist Church in Blanchard for their backpack and giveaway of school supplies. In addition to Faith Chapel, these three nearby churches, along with Beech Creek Wesleyan Church, have collected clothing for evangelism. There was actually so much bounty that Faith Chapel had to temporarily stop collecting. What better way to serve our neighbors than to be mobile and partner with other churches in the area?

“It is such a blessing to have the support and partnership of our church friends in the area. We all have the same goal of loving our neighbors, so why not work together?” said Joni Bumbarger, Co-Chair of the Mission and Outreach Team.

PROVIDED PHOTO Bargains and Blessings in partnership with Liberty Baptist Church in Blanchard during their Backpack and School Supplies Giveaway on July 24. The next sale will be on Saturday, August 6 at Faith Chapel United Methodist Church, 551 Hunter Run Road, Howard, off Highway 150 near Bald Eagle State Park.

The mission of Bargains & Blessings is threefold:

— Provide good quality clothes at low prices to our neighbours.

— Be good stewards of the Earth by recycling clothes, shoes and accessories.

— Promote warm and friendly encounters.

Bargains & Blessings will present its biggest sale of the summer on Saturday, August 6, from 9 a.m. to noon. Clothes will cost $5 per full bag! This shopping day will be held onsite at the church at 551 Hunter Run Road, Howard, as there are simply too many items to carry.

PROVIDED PHOTO Lynne Johnson, left, and Linda Confer, right, are pictured at a Bargains & Blessings event at Liberty Baptist Church.

“I personally love shopping at thrift stores and saving money wherever I can, so it’s great to be involved in a thrift store that also benefits the community,” said Burger. “Stop by Saturday for free coffee, water, snacks and conversation – and in the process, you might find some great deals too!”

The much-loved volunteers at Bargains and Blessings have been hard at work getting things ready for Saturday’s big back-to-school and all-season sale.

“We have over 20 shelves and six clothing tables installed and ready for our customers,” said Linda Confer, a volunteer. “We spend a lot of time sorting donations to ensure our customers receive good quality items. We ask ourselves: ‘Would I wear this?’ before displaying an item. And, you can’t beat the prices!”

Lynne Johnson, Co-Chair of the Engagement and Outreach Team, said: “This summer has been a trial run for Bargains & Blessings. We’re happy with the initial response from the community, but we already have ideas for improvements to reach more people. We will spend our time this fall planning how to expand our reach to meet the needs of our neighbours.

You can support this ministry by shopping at the store, donating gently used clothing and shoes, and spreading the word. All proceeds from Bargains & Blessings will benefit awareness within the community.

Do you have an event where you would consider hosting a Bargains & Blessings mobile thrift store (a 20 foot trailer)? Or do you know of immediate needs, such as disaster victims, who could benefit from this ministry? Email Joni at [email protected] to discuss details.

Also watch for updates in Howard Happenings on upcoming bargains and blessings!