More than just a Thrift Store!

We help to not only meet physical needs but also to provide life-skills education and spiritual counsel to those seeking assistance. Directors Ron Vining and Jennifer Wallace lead a team of volunteers who come from all walks of life but have one vision: to see the love of Christ transform our community. Their obedience to this vision has resulted in helping over 500 local families with crisis needs in the past year.

Telephone: 318.410.0999
Fax: 318.323.0920
E-mail: thriftstore@firstwest.cc

October 2009 Newsletter

Compassion Ministry Report

Support given to other ministries in March 2009: $274.90

Given in vouchers in March 2009: $1,057.18

Given in vouchers in April 2009: $2,603.12

Volunteer Hours in March: 371

Volunteer Hours in April: 300

Volunteer Needs

Prayer Warrior
Testing & Pricing Electronics
Sorting Donations
Shelf Displays and Straighten Racks
Pricing Donations
Carpentry (when needed)
Sorting & Pricing Linens
Paint exterior of Donation Center
Hanging & Restocking Racks & Shelves
Hedge Trimming Team
Flower Bed Maintenance
Monthly Newsletter
Teach a class (F.P.U., parenting, marriage)
Furniture Donation Pick-ups (every 4-6 weeks)
Childcare for classes
Provide food for classes

Donations

Please take your donated items to the Thrift Store Drop-off Center at 409 N. 5th Street in West Monroe. It is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

Clothing
Furniture
Household Items
Bedding
Glassware
Household Decor
Books/VHS/DVD/CDs
Toys
Baby Items
Working Electronics

Thrift Store

The Thrift Store is open Tuesdays–Fridays, 9 a.m–5 p.m. and on Saturdays, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. The Thrift Store is open to everyone looking for gently used goods at an affordable price. Come see all our great items for your household!

Current Needs (last updated 8-09)

We are looking for Thrift Store help for the hours of 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Tuesday thru Friday and 9 a.m.–2 p.m. on Saturdays. We also need prayer warriors for Compassionate Ministries and donations for an addition to the Thrift Store.

Current items that are in demand: maternity clothes, scrubs, car seats, playpens, high chairs, strollers, walkers and other baby items, mattress sets, bed rails and bedding, chest of drawers, couches and chairs.

We are looking for people to provide meals for our community transformation classes. If you or your class would like to provide a meal please contact us at 410-0999. Thank-you!

Community Transformation Education Classes

Compassionate Ministries offers classes to help educate families. These classes offer free childcare, meal fellowships and incentives for class completion. Classes being offered now are:

Nurturing God's Way Parenting Education Class
12-weeks, new class starts October 26th
Mondays, 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
light supper and childcare provided
incentives given for class completion
Space is limited, call 410-0999
to sign-up.

Dave Ramsey Financial Peace Class
13-weeks, new class starts October 26th
Mondays, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
light supper and childcare provided
call thrift store to sign-up and see if you qualify for the low-income program.
Space is limited, call 410-0999 to sign-up.

God is at Work! Read our new stories updated August 2009!

Read some of the inspiring stories happening right here in our community as God works through Compassionate Ministries and other community groups to restore lives. >>

Employment Readiness Training: Jobs for Life

We are now partnering with Jobs for Life, a Christian-based program that trains people how to apply, find, and keep a job. We have partnered with them to provide "work" clothes for those who complete the program giving them a start in the right direction. For more information on classes, contact the Thrift Store at 410.0999.

Paper Recycling

Recycle your newspapers at our recycling trailer located at 4th and Pine Streets in West Monroe.

Food Pantry

Because we learned that Ray of Hope Ministry is distributing food at Trinity Baptist Church in West Monroe, we have begun to refer those seeking food assistance there.

Desiard Street Shelter

This is a wonderful community ministry located at 807 Desiard Street in Monroe. They provide free hot lunches Mondays–Saturdays, 11:45 a.m.–1:00 p.m. If you would like to donate your time or towards the purchase of food, please call them at 322.8200. To serve during the time First West volunteers, please contact Shearon Henry at 396.0265.

Contact Us

Telephone: 318.410.0999
E-mail: thriftstore@firstwest.cc
Compassionate Ministries Thrift Store Located at 405 Pine Street in West Monroe (at the corner of Pine Street and Cypress Street).
Store Hours:
Tue.–Fri. 9 a.m–5 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m.–2 p.m.