local spotlight
Some Kind of Wonderful BRIDGE MINISTRY OF BURTON BRINGS THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER by Susie Tommaney, Bookkeeper/Volunteer, Bridge Ministry of Burton photography by Emily Henderson Deep in the heart of Texas, where the back roads end, something wonderful is happening in the quaint little town of Burton. What began as a kernel of an idea by 13 inspired churches has blossomed into a thriving ministry, where hundreds of volunteers work together to make life better for their neighbors as it builds a bridge between racial, cultural, educational, and economic divisions within the community,
Perhaps the biggest example of bridge-building can be found in the ministry’s boutique-style thrift store, just around the corner from the White Horse Tavern. We’ve all felt the need to clean out our closets from time to time, and The Corner Shoppe displays those donations of clothing, shoes and home goods in a welcoming environment. We can’t tell who has more fun: the volunteers who sort, price and merchandise behind the scenes, or those who greet customers and share their joy at fabulous finds. But maybe it’s the lucky shopper who discovers that missing place setting to complete grandmother’s china set, the perfect Sundaygo-to-meeting Above, Gloria outfit, or a gently Niday, left, used percolator. and Laurell
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We’ll put out the word that somebody needs a stove and folks just step up to help.
“It truly brings my heart joy to see the community come together.” says Taylor Whittaker, Executive Director. “We will have somebody drop by with farm-fresh eggs for our pantry, just finish folding some donated clothes, and before the day is over, a client will walk in needing both of those items. We’ll put out the word that somebody needs a stove and folks just step up to help.”
Larger donations like furniture, appliances and estates are resold
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Smith welcome shoppers at The Corner Shoppe.