Mission thanks hundreds of customers, donors

More than 500 people turned out Friday for the second annual Customer Appreciation Day at the United Gospel Rescue Mission Thrift Store

They were served pork sandwiches, hamburgers and hot dogs at the Pine Boulevard and Fifth Street location.

The event was a thank you to those who shop there and to those who donate.

Mission Executive Director Dr. Gregory Kirk said the event is a “great way to show we appreciate them for shopping or donating.”

Kirk was apprehensive early in the morning, “then all of a sudden we just got bumped.”

“Money equals ministry,” he said. “Without money, there is no ministry.”

The non-profit thrift store sells donated goods only, with proceeds going toward helping those in the community.

The mission does not receive government funding, choosing instead to rely on the gifts of individuals, churches, businesses, private foundations and civic groups to meet its annual operating budget. The thrift store raises a portion of the funds needed to provide emergency shelter, resident recovery and community outreach services to the community.

Calling to Jeff Till and his wife, Shawna Starnes Till, who were waiting in the food line, Kirk asked them to share why they are supportive of the mission.

Jeff Till said, “I think the whole purpose of the mission is wonderful. They serve people not helped by anyone else.”

Jeff Till’s father, Dr. Ben Till, is a faithful donor. Shawna’s late father, H.B. Starnes Jr., was one of the mission’s founders.

Jeff Till is a licensed clinical social worker and Shawna Till is a registered nurse.

As Kirk was talking to the Tills, a mission staff member turned to Kirk, saying, “We’re out of pulled pork sandwiches.”

Kirk’s response was, “I smoked four butts this year, I guess I’ll do six next year.”

It wasn’t long until a staff member added, “We’re running low on hot dogs,” to which Kirk dialed his phone and asked the staff at the mission on Broadway to bring more hot dogs and pick up buns on the way.

While the line was growing long outside, a few folks were making their way inside to shop.

Thrift store employee Rebecca Hart said shopping “has been a little busier than a normal Friday.”