Restoring lives one item at a time

When Kami Hall envisioned a thrift store, she saw it as being something that could help financially support Restoration Church, where her father was pastor. As the power went out one Sunday during a service, a flash of an idea was born. 

“I thought ‘Let’s do a thrift store to help the church,’” Kami said. “But then God spoke and said ‘Use it as a ministry and the blessings will come.’”

All the items in the store have been donated. As word has spread about the ministry, there hasn’t been a time when a need has gone unmet, Kami said. 

“Everything we’ve ever wanted has come in,” she said. “Various people have made donations, and we had an auction house in Chesnee give us items. We’ve been invited to clean out abandoned homes.” 

The store has many items carried by other thrift stores in the county, Kami said. But what sets the ministry apart is that there are no prices, and when folks come to pay for items they are told they are free. 

“We get told ‘I can’t not pay you for these things,’ and we tell them that’s okay, that is what we’re here for,” Kami said. Many people bring items to exchange for other needed items, she said. She’s been asked doesn’t it bother her to know that the items might be resold for money. But, she added, that might be what those who take items need. 

“Everything in this building has a story, and everything leaves with a story as to why it was needed,” Kami continued. “We are here to love people and bless them with what they need.” 

Kami and her husband, Josh, desire to see the ministry continue to grow and be able to provide for any need in the community. And they have faith that it will. 

“We know it’s a God thing.” 

Restored Thrift Ministry is located on Oakland Road and is open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.