By Justin Christian
The New Citizens Press
As hard economic times continue thrift stores are becoming more popular for shoppers, looking for a bargain. A & G Enterprises and Thrift Store located at 800 Willow Street on Lansing’s Northside is family owned and operated. Opened only two months ago, Gloria and Armando Garcia store is already off to a good start. The store offers new and second hand clothing for men and women as well as some household items at reasonable prices.
“We are here for the community, trying to offer quality items at affordable prices” says Rigoberto Flores, store manager. “We are not looking to get rich, but instead help bring new life to the community during these tough times.” A & G Enterprise and Thrift Store is open Monday through Friday, 10 am-5 pm and on Saturday, 11am to 5pm but excepts donations of new and slightly used items during store items.
Another thrift store offering great deals to bargain shoppers is Volunteers of America. Volunteers of America, also known as the VOA, located at 5411 South Cedar Street on Lansing’s Southside, has been open in the community for over ten years. The VOA sells a wide range of merchandise from clothes and shoes to house wares and furniture. According to Manager, Brian Wilbur, the store business has been great even through the tough times.
Wilbur states, “Over 80% of clothing items they have in the store are $1.99 or less.” Wilbur encourages if you are looking for an even better deal on higher priced items, just wait until the last Tuesday of the month when all items in the store are 50%. When asked, what is one benefit of working for Volunteers of America during this economic crisis, Wilbur said, “It feels good to be able to give people options.”
Volunteers of America are open from 8am-8pm Monday- Saturday and Sunday 10 am- 8pm. They accept donation of new and slightly used items which can be either be dropped off at the stores or by calling 517-272-1600 for donation pickup. Besides the thrift store volunteers of America also offers other programs, such as employment and training assistance, housing assistance and emergency services. Check out the other services they have to offer at www.voa.org.
Volunteers of America and A & G enterprises and thrift store are just a few stores giving options to the community by providing affordable clothing and household items as well as resources for people to maintain through these tough times and beyond. It is good to know when times get hard there are still companies that care about helping those in need.
Bread House Church Announces Grand Opening of Community Clothes Closet
The Bread House, Bethlehem Temple Church will hosted its grand opening of “Elizabeth’s Closet,” a community-based, charitable clothing shop, on April 19, from 2 to 6 p.m. The clothes closet will officially open its doors to the community and give away three pair of NBA all star Dwyane Wade tennis shoes donated by his mother, Jolinda Wade, who was the keynote speaker at The State of Our Health: Through the Voices of Our People on September 6, 2009.
“The grand opening of Elizabeth’s Closet arrives at perfect timing.” says Deb Riley, director and coordinator. “With the difficult economy and so many people being laid off from their jobs, the closet is an useful community resource for families who are in need of affordable and quality, clothing and shoes.”
Elizabeth’s Closet will be operated out of the first floor of the church, located at 1518 S. Washington Avenue in Lansing, and will be open to the surrounding community Tuesdays and Fridays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Clothing items will also be distributed globally through the Bread House Church Outreach ministries.
The clothes closet is filled with donations of new and used, suits, dresses, pants and shirts, casual and dress shoes, and other accessories for women, men and children of all sizes. There will be free and priced items, with no item costing more than $10.
Elizabeth’s Closet was inspired and named after Elizabeth Singleton, the late wife of Bishop Alfred Singleton, pastor of The Bread House, Bethlehem Temple Church.
Elizabeth Singleton, Mother of 12, grandmother and great grandmother. Elizabeth’s humble beginnings with her rapidly growing family, made her no stranger to the benefits of second hand stores.
She was a generous and kind woman, who insisted on giving back and showing love to all. Known for her fine sense of fashion, quality taste and generous heart, Elizabeth’s Closet is a reflection of the legacy and life she lived.
Elizabeth’s Closet is an extension of The Bread House Church Outreach ministries, and has a mission to use various avenues to serve the underprivileged and disadvantaged both locally and abroad, and spread the gospel and love of Jesus Christ. Clothing and monetary donations are accepted year long. For information, contact Deb Riley at 517.485.4209.
