From the outside looking in, TLC Thrift Store looks to be your average furniture and clothing shop but after one visit customers soon realize this is not your ordinary thrift shopping experience.
With a focus on superior customer service set on the philosophy that every one is some one of importance, TLC staff and volunteers greet every visitor with a friendly and upbeat smile and a boisterous, “Hi there, good to see you again!”
Staff and bustling volunteers greet many return customers by name and a warm hug, and are ready to help customers fill whatever needs they come in with.
The store is set up with “rooms” to help customers envision what they may want to accomplish in their own homes. There is a little bit of everything — you can find unique items, inexpensive gifts and many staple items in gently used condition. The store carries a wide array of merchandise ranging from furniture and household items, linens, a huge assortment of $2 clothing, jewelry, shoes, and toys. The store even has a special area just for the guys, called “The Man Cave.” Volunteers Robin, Chris and Mary keep the store well stocked and pleasing to the eye.
Located in the back of the store, the “Book Nook” area is a large and diverse book section complete with tables and chairs set up to just sit and relax while you peruse through a favorite author’s latest novel, while sipping a cup of coffee or tea.
For those that are going through a crisis, whether because of a devastating fire, a homeless situation, victim(s) of domestic abuse, a person without a bed to sleep on, or those without a warm blanket, staff and volunteers come alongside the hurting, the distraught and offer hope and help. Those who find themselves in a crisis situation can bring a voucher from their church or a sponsor organization and TLC Thrift store will help them accrue necessities needed to begin again.
Soon, TLC staff expects to have their Coffee House up and running on Friday evenings in the thrift store. This will be a faith-based, informal time for refreshments, friends and supporters of TLC Ministries to fellowship, share ideas and expand on TLC Ministries’ vision, which is to address and prevent drug and alcohol abuse in our community and beyond.
Additionally, Pastor Ron, Executive Director and Founder of TLC Ministries of Beaufort, foresees a youth literacy program through the Book Nook to help ignite a love of reading in younger age children who will be able to come once a week and hear a great story read by a community volunteer.
There will also be a teen/youth outreach venue dedicated to bringing the youth of Beaufort together in a safe, loving atmosphere and help equip and empower youth of all diversities and backgrounds to resist the scourge of drugs and alcohol in our community.
TCL Ministries: Tax deductible donations are accepted and are an important and continuing need for the store. Volunteers are always welcome to help. Located in the Beaufort Plaza (next to Burkes Outlet), store hours are Monday-Thursday 10-5, Friday-Saturday 10-6, closed Sundays. Financial help is greatly needed and appreciated and can be donated online at thearcofbeaufort.org, or by mail at TLC Ministries of Beaufort, PO Box 4111, Beaufort, SC, 29906. Call the store at 843-525-1115.
