Just over four years ago, Raleigh Rescue Mission opened a Thrift Store and Donation Center at 4700 Capital Boulevard, in what’s known as the Mini-City Shopping Center in North Raleigh. Like most thrift stores, we offer discounted retail shopping, but we also offer vocational training and jobs for our clients, pickup and delivery services for our customers, waste removal, and lots of individual and group volunteer opportunities.
There are lots of choices in the Wake County area for thrift store shopping and donating. What makes Raleigh Rescue Mission’s store unique?
“Ministry is emphasized here. We pray a lot, and our decisions are based on prayer,” says Danny Anderson, Store Manager. “We intentionally do things differently. When we engage with the public, they know it’s a Christian organization. People come in sometimes just to pray. They know that they can do that here.”
Many of our clients participate in vocational training at the Thrift Store and Donation Center each day, performing a variety of tasks and learning the various aspects of the retail business as they prepare for their own jobs and progress through the Mission’s New Life Plan. Some clients have the particular skillset needed to be hired as full time employees of the Store and Donation Center when there’s an opening. A dedicated group of staff members, clients and volunteers work together to keep things humming.
The Thrift Store and Donation Center is a great place to volunteer, whether for community service hours or with your business or church group. Tasks might include processing donations, merchandising on the sales floor, small inventory projects, or pricing. “We always need volunteers,” says Danny. “Doesn’t matter if it’s one person, or a group of 5 or 25, there is always lots to do.”
The Donation Center accepts most gently used items, and there’s a special need for items like furniture, appliances, and home décor. Shoppers can take advantage of a very popular $5 Stuff-A-Bag clothing sale on the first Saturday of each month, and 50% off all clothing and shoes on the second Saturday of each month! Clients and their children are provided what they need in clothing and household items prior to sales, and store proceeds support the programs and services for the men, women and children who make up the Mission.
For more information about the RRM Store & Donation Center, email QnaalN@enyrvtuerfphr.bet or visit the Thrift Store page.
