C.A.R.E. Center in Greeneville opens new thrift store

Lea Johnson
·2 min read

GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) – The C.A.R.E Center in Greeneville has been helping those in need by providing food, clothing, job opportunities and more. Now, the center is expanding by opening its own thrift store with items donated by people across the community.

New warming center in Greeneville helps the homeless

The C.A.R.E Center started working on the thrift store, which replaced the Gypsy Soul Market on Bernard Avenue, back in February. Two months later, the store was able to open its doors for business for the first time Monday.

“We’re trying to keep a good supply of warm jackets, hoodies, blankets, sleeping bags, tents, socks, gloves and scarves, try to keep a lot of that on hand,” said Mary Morgan, a volunteer at the C.A.R.E Center. “You still have cold nights even in the summertime.”

All money made from the items sold at the thrift store will go towards helping the homeless and those who seek help through the center. Morgan said anyone in the community who needs help or cannot afford to buy things can get them for free.

C.A.R.E Center prepares to open new thrift store in Greeneville

“This thrift store caters to all of society in Greeneville,” said Morgan. “That’s just a side benefit for the people in need who cannot afford to buy things.”

Travis Lester visits the C.A.R.E. Center and said he is thankful for the volunteers and how much they have helped him.

“I was out on the streets and came across Mrs. Rhonda (owner of the center) and the C.A.R.E. Center, they just opened their hands and took me in,” said Lester. “They pretty much adopted me.”

Lester told News Channel 11 he believes the new thrift store will allow the center to find housing for homeless people and offer even more services when finding employment.

The C.A.R.E Center has plans to hire people in need of work at the thrift store. She also added that so far the store has been successful.

“We were very busy on Monday,” said Morgan. “I don’t know how many customers we had, but we had a steady stream, it seemed like all day.”

The C.A.R.E Center will be hosting a fish fry dinner on April 19 from 5-9 p.m. All proceeds from the event will go towards helping those in need.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.