MOUNT VERNON, Ky. – (June 7, 2022) Christian Appalachian Project’s (CAP) Grateful Threadz Thrift Store reopened on Monday to the delight of shoppers and staff. The store originally opened in 2012 to provide affordable clothing and household items to the Mt. Vernon community, but closed in March 2020 due to the pandemic.
“The third customer that came in the store today threw her hands up and said, ‘I’m home.’ That said it all,” said Carolyn Lindsey, manager of the store. “She spent about three hours here talking with people she hasn’t seen in some time. This is a place where people come out and visit while they shop. That sense of bringing people together is really special.”
Grateful Threadz provides the community a place to find clothes and shoes, as well as small furniture items, housewares, toys, books, and jewelry. There is something in the store for every member of the family.
“We love this store. We’ve been coming here for years. It was sad when the store was closed,” said Michelle Spence. “People were having to pay higher prices and a lot of families just don’t have the extra income. When I saw on Facebook that the store was reopening, the girls were so excited and I was too. You can see I have my bags full.”
Another shopper shared the same sentiment. “When the store was closed, it made a big impact. I’m glad it’s open. We missed it,” said Sharon Langford. “There is no real clothing store here. During the pandemic, people didn’t get out much. People were really hurting. Here, I can find something for all of my grandchildren. The community really enjoys coming here.”
Lindsey is grateful for her team and the community volunteers who made it possible to get the store ready for the reopening.
“We’re all called here at CAP to provide a service,” Lindsey said. “We are able to help the community. As prices have gone up, they know if they need something that they can come here. They don’t have to worry about what it costs.”
The thrift store also partners with Rockcastle County Schools to meet the needs of students with clothing, hygiene items, and other basic needs. Even during the pandemic, staff worked with the schools to make sure that young ladies did not miss prom because they didn’t have a dress. Staff also work with CAP’s Family Advocacy Program to assist families who have lost their homes to fire or natural disasters.
About Christian Appalachian Project
Christian Appalachian Project has been building hope, transforming lives, and sharing Christ’s love through service in Appalachia since our founding nearly 60 years ago. With the help of donors, volunteers, staff, and the communities it serves, CAP has grown to impact the lives of more than 1.5 million people each year. For more information about CAP, visit christianapp.org.
