DECATUR - In times of need, especially in the wake of the Moore, Okla., tragedy on May 20, it is nice to know that there are places that are willing to lend a helping hand. One such place recently opened its doors to a new facility.
On May 24, the United Christian Charities had a ribbon cutting and open house at their new thrift store facility located on Arkansas Highway 59 between Decatur and Gravette.
The UCC Thrift Store will not only aid local families in need, but also help others outside the area. All this is made possible through the visions of founder, Tina Holt.
Holt received inspiration from research she gathered from similar programs set up around the United States. She used that vision to bring the UCC Thrift Store to life.
The festivities opened with a prayer by Pastor Cass Hill from the New Life Christian Center in Centerton. Holt followed with the history of the UCC and how it got to the current location.
Peggy Wagner, from New Wine Ministry in Bella Vista, presented an inspirational song in honor of this event. She was followed by guest speaker Pastor Patricia Xavier, also from the New Wine Ministry.
Xavier talked about how,through prayer, people from all over Northwest Arkansas came together to make Holt’s vision a reality and how, united, the people of this area will help others.
Several people, working together, made the new facility possible. Pastor Vincent and Patricia Xavier, Ken Milbrodt, Mark Brooker, Suzanne Randolph, Jordan Barnett, Karen Lillard, Don Katchum and Angela from Helping Hands worked as one to make possible a place for people to come shop and share fellowship.
The UCC Thrift Store is located at 11175 N. Arkansas Highway 59, Gravette. Hours of operation will be from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, contact Tina Holt at 435-5699.
News, Pages 4 on 06/05/2013