Faith in Action

In just 28 days, the Second Chance Thrift Store morphed from an idea to a reality.

On April 16, the doors opened for the first time. Within four days, there were enough sales to pay the month’s expenses, which meant the rest of the proceeds go back into the community.

“That’s a great feeling and great affirmation that this is the right thing,” said Gary Lamb, the pastor of Action Church in Canton.

The nonprofit store, which relies strictly on donations, was started by Action Church as a way to fund the congregation’s community outreach efforts.

And it’s a step toward establishing the Action Distribution Center, a ministry that Lamb said will supply groceries and clothes 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Currently, church members hold a community outreach every couple months.

“Last month, we gave away 15 tons of food, and we had to do it in one day because it was all frozen,” Lamb said. “Once we get the distribution center, we can do it all the time.”

The idea to open the store came about naturally as folks began to see Action Church as a congregation that was “giving out stuff.”

Every time Lamb came to church, there was a couch or a dresser outside the building. “I said, 'Why don’t we start selling this stuff?' ”

While Second Chance opened for the first time last month, its official grand opening wasn't until last Saturday. 

“From the day we started the church, I said, 'I want us to have an impact in the business community,' ” Lamb said. “We thought that would be a coffee shop downtown, but I don’t even drink coffee. That's not our vibe. This thrift store just fit us perfect.” 

FAST FACTS

• Second Chance Thrift Store, 920 Waleska Rd., Canton. Open Tuesday to Friday from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30 a.m until 5 p.m.

Editor's note: A version of this story previously appeared in the May edition of The Cherokee Vine, a monthly newsletter that highlights news and events from churches, ministries and charitable organizations in Cherokee County.