The 10,000 sq. ft. expansion features a book nook and additional clothing, bedding, kitchenware, and furniture sections, as well as a spacious boutique area and seasonal holiday section. | Photos by Jean-Ires Michel
“We are so excited to welcome people to our new store,” says Lucy Randall, Neighbor to Neighbor's assistant director. “It’s spacious and inviting. We know the community is going to love it as much as we do.”
Beginning in 2019, N2N began expanding their facility to include 10,000 square feet to accommodate the thrift store – two times larger than their current facilities. Featuring a book nook and expanded clothing, bedding, kitchenware, and furniture sections, as well as a spacious boutique area and seasonal holiday section, the new thrift store promises to serve the community for many years to come. The cost of the $1.2 million building project is funded with grants, donations, and thrift store income. To date, over $800,000 has been raised.
Neighbor to Neighbor helps the under-served in Berrien, Cass and Van Buren Michigan counties. Founded in 1914, Neighbor to Neighbor has offered client-centered programs, emergency assistance and community service to Berrien Springs, Mich., and the surrounding communities for over 100 years.
A dedication and open house will follow the grand opening on November 22 at 2 p.m. to accommodate friends and well-wishers who would otherwise be absent.
Along with the thrift store grand opening, Neighbor to Neighbor is launching a new Booster card program geared to supporting their mission to the community. The program includes early, socially-distanced shopping at 9 a.m. on business days and 10% discount on every full-priced purchase at N2N Thrift Store.
“Every Booster has the satisfaction of knowing that their contribution immediately goes to work serving the community,” says Laura Meyer, Neighbor to Neighbor's executive director. “Every day we serve those who are in crisis by providing clothing, furniture, bedding, food, supplies for infants, and other essential items. We serve those who have been impacted by COVID-19, who have lost their jobs, are escaping domestic abuse, and others experiencing various needs. The Booster program is a quick and easy way to know you are making a positive impact.”
For more details about the booster program, visit N2N Facebook page or call 269-471-7411.
“We recognize God’s leading through every challenge of this journey. Our unified expressions of gratitude are couched in the sentiment stated in 1 Samuel 7:12 - “Hitherto has the Lord helped us,” says Meyer.
“We owe a debt of gratitude to Pastor Ron Kelly, of the Village Seventh-day Adventist Church, Pastor Bryce Bowman from the Stevensville Seventh-day Adventist Church, Busch Construction and so many others who have tirelessly supported us on this journey and especially through this difficult year. They have gone above and beyond anything we expected, allowing us to stay open continually and minister to those in the community who need us most.”
Ami Hendrickson, Neighbor to Neighbor
