A new year and a new location for Mission Thrift Store - previously known as Bibles for Missions Thrift Store on Elizabeth Street.

They have moved into a new building on Stockton Ave where they have plenty of space to continue their good work for the Foothills community and the good-will they deliver nationally.

January 3 was the opening day for Mission Thrift Store and General Manager Dale Attrill says it was probably their busiest day yet.

"It was amazing and we were busy the whole time." Attrill says "I think we had the busiest day we've ever had since we've been here."

Atrill says customers are pleased with the new store as only positive comments have come in.

"They just couldn't believe the store, how nice it is, how big it is, and how they can walk down the aisles without bumping into everything. The Customers are saying it looks good inside and out."

The big move came after the store out-grew its original home on Elizabeth St. Attrill says they wanted to have more room to set up and sell furniture as it's one of their bigger selling items. He attributes the poor economy to higher sales at thrift stores.

"People are buying more at thrift stores nowadays with the economy. We wanted to be able to offer not only more quality stuff, but a good shopping experience as well." Attrill says "We don't want to just look like a thrift store, we want to be somewhere you can come and enjoy your shopping."

The new store isn't all that sets Mission Thrift Store apart from other stores in the Foothills, proceeds from the sales continue to go to the Bible League which helps to fund mission projects around Canada and in 43 other countries. Mission Thrift Store also prides themselves on acts of benevolence in the community. Attrill says they are here to help.

"We help with family services, churches send people down that might be in need, we helped with the Fort McMurray fires and people who lost everything and also the floods in 2013." Attrill adds "So we're here to help locally as well and it's not all about selling everything, it's about being able to help people when they need it."

If you would like to join the Mission Thrift Stores team they are currently looking for more volunteers to help them run their bigger operation. Attrill says all they ask from their volunteers is a minimum commitment of a 4 hour shift per week, or more if you can. Those who are interested in volunteering can stop by the store and ask for Dale or Rachel the Store Managers.

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