Steinbach MCC Thrift Store Gives Again

The MCC Thrift Store in Steinbach is known as a place to go for exceptionally good deals.  It is a central location where people have the opportunity to share what they have and for others to acquire what they need.  It has been said that “…there is no person so poor they have nothing to share and there is no person so rich who has nothing to receive…” and the MCC Thrift Store is well positioned to be able to facilitate the giving and receiving in either direction.

Friday morning was just such an occasion.  Twelve organizations that work with a broad scope of vulnerable people were the recipients of some of the resources that have been collected over the course of this year now coming to a close.  Gordon Kornelson, board chair of Steinbach’s MCC Thrift Store had the delightful task of being much more than Santa Claus, handing out a total $50,000 to these twelve organization.

Youth for Christ--Steinbach                     Jim Harms

Youth for Christ--Landmark                     Steve Andres

South east Helping Hands                       Hank Klassen

Soup's On                                                 Joy Neufeld
Today House                                            Simone Penner

Eastman Crisis Centre                             Tracy Rigby

Envision Foundation                               Susan Carr

El Dad Ranch                                           Trevor Utech

Eden Foundation                                     Earl Reimer

Haven Group                                           David Driedger

Steinbach Community Outreach           Irene Kroeker

Eastman Immigration Service                Linda Peters

A common theme throughout all twelve organizations was firstly a deep gratitude to Steinbach MCC Thrift Store and the volunteer staff that work there.  Secondly, all of the receiving organizations are present and active within and around the community of Steinbach, each working with vulnerable populations that are already present in the community.  Each of the organizations have their own commitment to alleviate a particular component of what constitutes that vulnerability.  The thoughtful deliberation of the Thrift Store board of directors, identified specific areas of need and have recognized the receiving organizations as avenues by which particular needs can be met.

These gifts to the twelve local charities is possible as a result of the generosity of the community not only by the donations of goods brought to the store but also by the fact that all of the labour associated with managing the Thrift store, comes from volunteers who faithfully dedicate their time on a regular basis.  In 2013 the collective effort has generated total sales of $1.3 million.  From that, operating costs for the store are taken and all the rest goes for the benefit of others, of which these twelve organizations received a part.