As customers waited outside for the Greater Goods Thrift Center to open, the store’s volunteers gathered to pray.
The nonprofit thrift store in Homer Glen has been about six years in the making and opened its doors Thursday as cars parked in a nearby overflow lot and customers enjoyed punch and cookies while browsing through the displays.
More than 50 people entered by 10 a.m. to be among the first ones to shop. Those who bought a vase were able to bring it home filled with fresh flowers.
Greater Goods, 13412 W. 159th St., resells clothing, blankets, home and holiday decor, books and games, jewelry, kitchen items and small appliances.
But its larger mission is to support the south and southwest suburbs through meaningful contributions, its organizers said.
Greater Goods is a partnership with Christ Community Church in Lemont and developed as a way to give back to the community.
“We believe generosity is contagious,” said the Rev. Chad De Jager, a founding board member of Greater Goods and senior pastor of Christ Community Church. “We found that more often when we give more, life is fuller, richer and more beautiful.”
Lisa Applegate, the store’s director, said Greater Goods is more than a thrift store. Its vision is “neighbors helping neighbors meeting their greatest needs,” she said.
“People are excited to donate their items and know they will go back to the communities they live in,” Applegate said.
The store’s profits will benefit charitable causes in areas such as Homer Glen, Lemont, Lockport and Orland Park and support new nonprofit organizations looking to get a start.
As another way to give back, anyone donating their used goods can designate one of three local charities to receive a bonus blessing, Applegate said.
This year, bonus blessings will provide store gift cards to Hope and Friendship in Lemont, Shady Oaks Camp in Homer Glen and One Family Illinois in Lockport. Recipients of the blessings will change quarterly to further spread the store’s impact, Applegate said.
Hope and Friendship helps families dealing with hardships. Shady Oaks provides opportunities for individuals with disabilities and One Family Illinois helps children in the foster system.
These charities also align with Christ Community Church’s mission, Applegate said.
Office space is available in the thrift store for nonprofit groups to use as well as rooms for counseling services for behavior health, substance abuse, anxiety and other concerns of the community, Applegate said.
Several organizers said the vision, which began in 2020, is now becoming reality.
“Our church’s motto is guiding our neighbors to a hope-filled future,” said Ben Dykstra, a Greater Goods board member and volunteer. “It’s really exciting to see how God is working.”
Carissa Van Dyke, a store employee, said she has loved meeting everyone who has donated goods and is excited to introduce the store to the Homer Glen community.
“We have the joy of the Lord in us and that shines out,” Van Dyke said. “People will find this place very joyful, very welcoming. It’s all because of God.”
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Kaylee Wilke, who was shopping with her 2-year-old son, Grayson, said she appreciated the abundance of clothing, the intentional displays, the vases with fresh flowers and reasonable prices.
“It’s a joy to be a part of it on opening day and see all the love already poured into it,” said Wilke, who is also a part of Christ Community Church.
Mary Meyers picked up some yarn she plans to use to knit hats for those who are homeless and some fresh flowers and a vase for herself. She had passed by the store on several occasions and was looking forward to its opening.
“The prices are great. There’s something for everybody,” she said. “I have a basket. I’m going to fill it.”
Matt Dovin said he feels this will be a good store for Homer Glen and the surrounding area.
Looking at the crowds, he remarked, “They are going to need more parking.”
Plans are in the works to expand the parking lot as volunteers directed traffic.
Store volunteers, wearing shirts that said “Hope is a team effort,” were thrilled to see the response in the opening hours.
“It’s more than a store,” said board member Heather Richa. “It’s a mission.”
Applegate said there’s several ways to support Greater Goods. People can donate quality used goods, shop or volunteer their time at the store.
Store hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
Donation hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and volunteers are able to assist donors with their goods.
Greater Goods is accepting a wide range of donations, but will not take furniture, pianos, helmets, car seats, printers or tires.
Michelle Mullins is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.