Church-operated thrift shop helps others

This story appears in the summer issue of Wilsonian.

If you’re on the hunt for a good thrifting find, Second Blessings in Elm City has got you covered.

“It’s the best kept secret in Wilson County,” said Wanda Dorsey, Second Blessings committee chairwoman. “You never know what you’re going to find. We get something unique and fun every week.”

The shop sells gently used items including clothing, household accessories, shoes, jewelry and more.

“We have clothing and shoes for the whole family,” Dorsey said. “Our kids clothes are $1. The ladies’ and men’s clothing are mostly $2. We have decorative items, pictures for the house, all kinds of dishes, lamps and tables. Anything to add to your decor.”

Second Blessings is an extension of Elm City Methodist Church. All proceeds from the shop’s sales are funneled to Wilson County nonprofits and the church’s ministries that help those in need.

Second Blessings is located at 100 W. Nash St. in Elm City and is open from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.

“Thrifting is a great hobby right now,” Dorsey said. “It’s a fun way to spend a Saturday morning. It’s better than a yard sale.”

The shop began in the basement of Elm City Methodist Church nearly 14 years ago and was the brainchild Georgia Aycock. It quickly grew, and the church was blessed with its current location, a house.

“God has certainly blessed this ministry,” Aycock said. “We try to really serve the Lord and not ourselves, and I think that’s what grows it.”

The shop also has tremendous support from the Wilson County community members, who not only purchase items, but donate “like new” items.

“It’s amazing because every dime that is made here goes back into this community to help other people,” Aycock said. “It goes back to people who have a need.”

The church is able to support projects like its Loaves and Fishes hunger ministry, Shop with a Cop, Children’s Hunger Elimination of Wilson, Hope Station and Wilson County Department of Social Services’ Faith Connections. The shop also works with agencies who help families in need of household items and clothing. Families who have lost everything in house fires are also helped through the mission.

Dorsey said Second Blessings’ mission is all about helping others.

“It’s all about giving and doing,” she said. “We wanted to be the hands and feet Jesus. He said feed and clothe those in need. We’re trying to do our part. We are trying to make a difference.”

The shop is operated by an all-volunteer staff including the “Blessing Bees,” who work on Mondays. The ladies sort through, price, fold, hang and organize donations from the previous week.

Second Blessings takes donations from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Items can be dropped off on the shop’s back porch.

“Anything in good condition and good quality,” Dorsey said.

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