Four Corners Ministries is preparing to open its fourth thrift store, with the soft opening set for June 2, 2025, and the grand opening following on June 17. The store will be located at 820 Columbus Pkwy. in Opelika.
Four Corner Ministries' (FCM) goal is to offer quality items while maintaining discounted prices. The nonprofit organization is mainly dedicated to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ to disadvantaged groups.
Their thrift store endeavors are used to help this mission, with each purchase helping fund Abaana’s Hope, a community in Uganda. This process not only teaches Christian values but also aids the native Ugandans who experience healthcare and educational needs.
In 2012, Four Corner Ministries purchased 100 acres in northern Uganda to create Abaana's Hope, a Christian charity initially created to offer orphan care to the local area.
Now, Abaana's Hope offers not only orphan care but also school fees, immunizations and food supplements. It has expanded to include a primary school, grades first through seventh, in which 300 students and 140 staff members are fed two meals a day, sourced from the schools own farm.
“We are thrilled to expand our mission by opening a new location in Opelika,” FCM President Yancy Carpenter said. “Our goal is to not only offer great deals on gently used items but also to follow Jesus’ command in the Great Commission - to spread the gospel and make disciples of all nations.”
The thrift store will not only aid the ministries' philanthropic endeavors in Uganda but also help the local Auburn-Opelika community that shops there. The store will run frequent sales and discounts, offering 10% off for military members every day and senior citizens every Wednesday.
“We’re so proud of our military, and we want to do everything we can to encourage and support them,” Carpenter said. “Some seniors may be on fixed incomes and may not have very much. They have to stretch it far, so we want to help them with that as well.”
Carpenter spoke passionately of the store's need for volunteers. Processing clothes, organizing merchandise and checking out customers are some jobs available for these volunteers. Employment opportunities are also available through their website.
Carpenter shared his pitch to those who may be skeptical of visiting the store.
“I would say come and see,” President Carpenter said. “We also want to be an encouragement and a light to the community.”
His anecdotal tale of an experience he had at one of the thrift stores sums up his goal for this endeavor.
“When I was at one of the locations, a man came and brought women’s clothing [to donate]. I asked him how he was doing, and if I could pray for him,” President Carpenter said. “He had told me his mother just passed away. So, there’s many opportunities like that to encourage people who are hurting.”
For those who wish to donate, FCM offers a list of accepted items ranging from books to boots on their press release. Donation items may be dropped off at all FCM thrift stores, inside, curbside, or at the FCM administrative office, located at 202 South 8th St. in Opelika. Donation pickups can also be scheduled by contacting the office.
The new Opelika thrift stores hours of operation will be 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Once the store opens, FCM encourages all to stop by and buy, donate or simply share words of encouragement.
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