Mennonite Central Committee is an international, Christian non-profit that works in disaster relief, peacebuilding, education initiatives, and many other causes. It has several headquarters all of the world, and various branches and business connected to the larger non-profit. One of these branches is MCC Thrift, which consists of a network of thrift shops all over North America. The stores resell clothes and household items, with all proceeds going to support MCC programs.
I see this idea as redemptive, but also innovative in the way it accomplishes many goals at the same time. It involves the local community and caters to inter-generational participation (something the church often struggle with). It creates an especially good opportunity for retirees who wish to get involved in ministry–in fact, the initiative was first started by elderly MCC volunteers! It is volunteer opportunity that people can get involved in through donating, working at the thrift shop, and through shopping at the store. MCC Thrift also positively impacts the local community more broadly, since it provides cheap but good quality goods for people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds in the surrounding area, as with any other second-hand shop. Of course, the program also provides a consistent flow of support for the larger non-profit, allowing it to operate with that extra confidence.
MCC Thrift is a redemptive and creative initiative that benefits both the shops’ local communities and (via funding of MCC) many programs all over the world. It gets community members involved in ministry in an accessible way and is a sustainable venture, as it sells a product and service that will be needed by communities indefinitely, therefore providing sustainable revenue for Mennonite Central Committee as a whole.
https://thrift.mcc.org/
https://mcc.org/
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This intergenerational ministry is a great example for the modern church to follow. This business requires volunteers from many backgrounds and seasons of life to sell and purchase clothes as well as minister to the community. The needs of surrounding communities are being met because MCC is being intentional in how it reaches the people through specific cultural need. I have always been a fan of thrift stores because it causes myself to be less wasteful in the clothing I choose not to wear anymore and also has the opportunity to provide for those who cannot afford much without giving handouts.
This is a great non-profit, I think the idea of a network of thrift stores is really fascinating. Your point about this organization achieving many goals all at once is very accurate, there seems to be lots of opportunity as well as value created by this operation.
I think this is a great venture. I like how there are multiple ways people can get involved and people can volunteer. This provides avenues for people to be apart of redemptive entrepreneurship and be apart of the change in the community. Bringing value to a community like that is impactful.
Thrift stores are so awesome! It's great to see a redemptive opportunity within this type of business. community is so important and business truly can have a big impact!
It is amazing to me how some businesses can do so much more good for a community than its local church. I think this can be a wake up call to those in ministry and churches all around America. This company is creative in the way it supports people and provides a service that many need. I am inspired by what they are able to do and convicted to do better.
It seems like MCC Thrift is tackling a number of needs within these communities simultaneously. The ability to provide heavily discounted, quality goods while also providing a space for cross-generational service is amazing. Also, reusing fabrics and garments is extremely good for environmentally conscious sourcing!