Thrift at Woodland Crossing is MCC's newest thrift shop
Located in southcentral neighborhood of Elkhart, Indiana
Residents of Elkhart, Indiana, have a new option when shopping for affordable clothing, home goods and furniture. Thrift at Woodland Crossing held a grand opening ceremony and ribbon cutting on Aug. 18.
The thrift shop sells quality, gently used items at reasonable prices. As the newest shop in the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Thrift network of more than 85 not-for-profit shops, Thrift at Woodland Crossing raises money for relief, development and peace work around the world.
Eric Kurtz, MCC Great Lakes executive director, has been working together with a team of local church and community members since February of 2020 to bring this thrift shop to the community.
“Southcentral Elkhart is a part of town that has been overlooked by so much economic development,” explains Kurtz. “It’s also a place where Mennonites have been for decades, and where a key planning meeting for the formation of MCC took place in 1920 at Prairie Street Mennonite Church.”
Elkhart Mayor Rod Roberson took part in the ribbon cutting ceremony. Roberson has been encouraging the development of the thrift shop as part of his administration’s priority to revitalize the neighborhood.
“A lot of shops have moved out, and there just aren’t many options for people in the neighborhood,” said Kurtz. “We want to serve the community by providing items that are high quality but affordable. We envisioned a place where people would feel good about coming.”
Judy Miller serves as the manager of the newly open Thrift at Woodland Crossing. “I appreciate the thought and intention that went into choosing this southcentral area of the Elkhart neighborhood where we are located,” she said. “I feel profoundly grateful to step into the role as manager of this thrift shop.”
It has been a long process over several years to open the shop. “Putting this store together has been like working on a giant jigsaw puzzle,” said Miller. “It has required a lot of hands and feet to help get us this far. People are welcome to stop in and see if they too might be a good fit – a puzzle piece – to help us in this enjoyable and inspiring work.”
Thrift at Woodland Crossing is located at 138 W Hively Ave, Suite 7 in Elkhart. Store hours are Monday-Friday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday: 9 a.m.– 2 p.m.
MCC Thrift shops have contributed over $250 million in the last 50 years to help people in need. More about the MCC Thrift Shop Network at thrift.mcc.org.