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Unique nonprofit operated entirely by church youth group

 

TRYON—Tryon Congregational Church held the grand opening for its new thrift store on Saturday, September 16. 

Housed in the back of the church, located at 210 Melrose Ave. in Tryon, the space occupies what was previously a co-op nursery school known as Tuesday School. 

Self-described as a “curated thrift store,” the new nonprofit boasts a vintage aesthetic, featuring clothes, shoes, books, movies, vinyl records, board games, musical instruments and various eclectic knick-knacks.

The grand opening showcased the new space and gave those who had been following the shop’s progress the opportunity to visit the store in person. In the future, the youth hope to incorporate various other vendors and organizations to create “street market” type events to benefit the community. 

Neil Rostick, a 10th-grade student at Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy, was instrumental in the store’s opening and its operation. Other church youth members at the opening were Anna Bucher and Lauren Winterrowd, who were in charge of sales and pricing, as well as renovation and organization of the space.

“Lauren and I initially came up with the idea as a way to raise money and spread publicity for our church,” said Rostick. “Our time and our church members’ investments into the project gave us the ability to use our profits and resources for the benefit of the community. We have an obligation to help those around us, and we can only do so by utilizing our skills to do what’s best.” 

The grand opening saw around 50 attendees and over $600 was raised that day that will be put into charities and outreaches. 

Part of the money will be reinvested into the business, the church and the youth group to maintain operations. The remaining profits will be donated to outreaches in the community and other causes worldwide.

“Our customers will be updated monthly on what organizations we choose to support, and it will be promoted in our social media posts and around the store,” said Rostick.

The UCC Youth Group would like to thank the church and community members for donations, as well as Jainiz Sanchez, Pastor Megan Young and her wife, Lisa.

 

The UCC Thrift store will be open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Store information can be found on Facebook or on instagram at @tryonthriftucc.