Member Spotlight The Closet Ministry and Thrift Store
This week’s Chamber Member Spotlight is on The Closet Ministry and Thrift Store! The store at 204 W. Main Street opened for business in February 2014. The Closet is supported by donations, volunteers, and MAD Ministries. Kim Jones, general manager says she makes no salary working at the shop and some weeks spends over 50 hours organizing, pricing, and selling items.
In 2017, The Closet served 466 families by giving clothes, bedding, dishes, and anything else to help get them back on their feet. On top of that, $10,000 was given in benevolence that went to families for rental assistance, utilities, and other needs. Aside from overhead expenses like rent and utilities, all the money made at The Closet goes back to local residents.
Kim said, “We get so many donations that only the best items are kept in the store due to available space. Everything else goes to an organization that distributes to Africa and South America.” The thrift store has anything and everything – wall decorations, clothes, shoes, toys, holiday items, wedding décor, dishes, books, jewelry – hidden treasures waiting for you. These items are priced cheaper than Salvation Army and eBay.
Kim is currently looking for mature volunteers that can help organize the store, sort donations, and create cute window displays! Hours of operation are Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 10:00-6:00 pm, Wednesday 10:00-5:00 pm, and Saturday 10:00-3:00 pm. If you would like to make a donation or are interested in volunteering, please call the store at 580-371-6767.
Read next week for a Spotlight on the Johnston County Industrial Authority.
Just a few reminders for this week – there will no Lions Club meeting on Wednesday and the Chamber office will be closed Thursday and Friday, November 22nd and 23rd for the Thanksgiving holiday. For immediate assistance, please email johnstoncountychamber@gmail.com
November 21st is the deadline to bring by items for the Small Business Saturday bags. There are 75 total and so far we have received pens, note pads, highlighters, fidget spinners, bottle openers, and discount coupons for use through Monday! Come hang out with us on Saturday, November 24th at the pocket park from 10:00-2:00 pm – we’ll have the giveaways, games, and the photo frame!
Other upcoming events include State of the County on Thursday, November 24th at 6:00 pm at the Murray State College Ballroom. The 2nd Annual Breakfast with Santa is Saturday, December 8th from 9:00-11:00 am at the Chickasaw Community Center. The Johnston County Christmas Classics Parade is Saturday, December 15th at 6:00 pm.
“Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.” – Charles Dickens