If the nearly-full parking lot on a recent Saturday afternoon was any indication, the new Christian Recovery Centers, Inc (CRCI) Thrift Store in Sunset Beach, 1680 Seaside Rd SW (in the old Sugar Kingdom building), is going to be very popular.
“The overwhelming support we’ve received from the Sunset Beach community has been truly heartening,” said CRCI Community Relations Specialist Jessica White. “It’s this support that drives us to expand our reach and provide even more opportunities for individuals and families to access our no-cost substance abuse treatment program.”
According to White, Christian Recovery Centers, Inc is a network of non-profit drug and alcohol recovery centers serving those suffering from and voluntarily seeking assistance for a substance abuse issue. Their Mission Statement is: Providing the spiritual and educational tools necessary for a long-term recovery from the illness of addiction and the beginning of a successful life.
“The support for our already existing location in Shallotte continues to build and grow, and we are so grateful to now provide a way for us to reach into another community with this great service” said White. “CRCI has been exploring the possibility of a second location, and as we made progress in our search, we encountered various obstacles. However, it became evident that God had grander designs for our ministry. Much BIGGER designs. He guided us to an expansive 8,000+ square foot building in a delightful town. We believe that by establishing a presence in Sunset Beach, we can better serve those in need within that community.
“CRCI views our Thrift operation as a three-way partnership with our donors/volunteers, us, and our customers. First and foremost, our kind supporters give generously of their gently used and new items. Those supporters are directly impacting residential programs, as every dollar generated by the sale of those items pours into our charitable services and helps to keep them free of charge to the participants. CRCI’s commitment to our customers is evident not only in our pricing but also in our store presentation. Partnering with our customers to ensure they receive quality goods at a more affordable price is the third leg of the mission,” White said. “Additionally, our stores offer opportunities for our residents to engage in meaningful work and service, fostering a sense of purpose and community involvement.”
You’ll be able to find about anything in this thrift store. We left with a cart full of treasures ourselves!
“In terms of inventory, our thrift stores carry a wide range of items, including clothing, household goods, furniture, books, and more,” said white. “We rely on generous donations from the community to keep our stores stocked. While we appreciate all donations, there are certain items, such as large appliances and mattresses, that we may not be able to accept due to space constraints or other limitations (please call ahead of time to confirm.) Donating to our thrift stores is easy—individuals can drop off items during our operating hours or schedule a pick-up for larger items. As for our store hours, the Sunset Beach and the Shallotte location are open Monday-Saturday from 9 am to 7 pm.”
While the CRCI Thrift Store has been open a few weeks, they are celebrating a Grand Opening on July 20.
“We will be celebrating the opening officially with the Chamber of Commerce and a ribbon cutting ceremony on July 20th,” said White. “CRCI will have special promotions, giveaways, and activities planned for the day, along with opportunities for guests to learn more about our mission and how they can get involved. We welcome volunteers interested in joining our team!”
Call 910-553-6086, email jwhite@crcirecovery.org or visit https://crcirecovery.org/ and click “Get Involved” to volunteer.
