After several years in the making, the South Side Mission’s new thrift store in Peoria’s 61605 neighborhood is now open.
The faith-based not-for-profit organization celebrated the grand opening of the store at 2919 W. Garden Street with a ribbon cutting Friday morning.
“It means that I can exhale, for one,” South Side Mission Executive Director Rev. Craig Williams said with a smile, noting the project faced delays related to construction, flooding, and post-pandemic staffing struggles.
“We’re just grateful that we are able to absolutely have this open for our community, and we’re just so appreciative of all the people that helped to make this happen for us.”
Just a couple blocks away from the South Side Mission’s main campus on Laramie Street, the Garden Street store marks a relocation from the Sterling Avenue site that closed a few years ago. A groundbreaking for the new store was held nearly 2½ years ago.
Williams says the new location embodies the mission’s dedication and commitment to its namesake neighborhood as it marks 100 years of service this year.
“I think it says that the mission is moving forward in terms of evolving into what our community needs are, as opposed to just continuing the same service just because we’ve continued it for 100 years,” he said. “We’re looking forward to being a blessing to this community, fulfilling our mission statement.”
Williams said he wants the thrift store to stand as an example of how much they care for their South Side neighbors.
“When you look at poverty, when you look at an impoverished neighborhood, then I believe for us as the mission, it’s important to provide low cost opportunities for people to come shop,” he said.
“Our goal is to affirm dignity in people, so that means that we make it affordable that they can shop, that they can provide for their families. We also are training our young people to come over and learn some small retail aspects.”
Among those on hand for the celebration was First District city council member Denise Jackson, who said a thrift store offers a significant opportunity and benefit for community members with financial challenges.
“It gives residents throughout this area another option,” said Jackson. “As a working individual, I am on a budget and I’m always looking for ways to stretch my money. This will provide an opportunity for families to stretch their dollars, to not have to go very far outside of their neighborhood.
“People are looking for bargains everywhere. I was out garage sale shopping just three weeks ago, and I was amazed at the numbers of people that were out. So I think folks appreciate thrift stores. You find real treasures. Oftentimes, you find things that people have hardly used. And what amazes me is you find quality merchandise. So places like this are a treasure to me.”
South Side Mission Board of Directors President Sherry Cannon said it was critical for the organization to invest in the 61605 neighborhood.
“It’s the heart of where we do ministry, and to be able to invest in this community at this level is just absolutely fabulous,” said Cannon. “I believe that it’s going to increase the quality of life in this community, the tax base will increase.
“Thrifting is a good way to get quality stuff and not pay full price for it, so just the whole idea of having a store right on your block is just going to be amazing for the citizens in this neighborhood.”
The Garden Street site joins the mission’s other thrift store currently in operation at 603 E. War Memorial Drive. Store hours will be 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with donation days on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
