Be The Light Thrift & Gift
What Is Thrift & Gift?
Be The Light Thrift & Gift is a brick and mortar, donation driven thrift store created to serve both practical needs and emotional connection. It is a welcoming, judgment free space where people can shop, visit, and talk openly without stigma.
More than a thrift store, Thrift & Gift is a place that honors lives lost to suicide, encourages honest conversations about mental health, and offers dignity through affordable, quality merchandise. Every donation and every purchase helps move hope forward in our community.
A Space Rooted in Care
Thrift & Gift was intentionally designed to feel different. With positive affirmations, a calm atmosphere, and open conversation, the store exists as a safe place where it is okay to talk, okay to feel, and okay to ask for help.
This space allows us to keep the memory of those lost alive while offering support, understanding, and encouragement to those who walk through the door.
How Thrift & Gift Gives Back
Proceeds from Thrift & Gift directly support local needs, community projects, and Be The Light initiatives. Through the store, we have been able to give back in meaningful ways, including:
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Remodeling the Weeping Water Memorial Field restrooms, a facility used for youth and community sports
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Bringing motivational speaker Ryan Kaufman to speak with Weeping Water middle and high school students
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Supporting Tabitha’s Thread in providing basic necessities for children and families in Cass County
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Assisting local schools with grant certificates for students in need of clothing, shoes, backpacks, and supplies
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Providing Thanksgiving Blessing Boxes to local families, helping ensure a warm meal and a sense of care during the holiday season
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Donating items and support to local business fundraisers
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Sharing our story of love, loss, and hope to inspire conversation and remind others that it is okay to not be okay and okay to ask for help
Looking Ahead
As Thrift & Gift continues to grow, so does its impact. Future goals include:
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Increasing the Everett Hanes Memorial Scholarship to $2,500 for a Weeping Water graduating senior
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Establishing a new scholarship in memory of Julie’s brother, Steve, for Cass County schools including Syracuse, Elmwood Murdock, Conestoga, and Louisville
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Expanding support for mental health access by helping cover therapy costs for individuals who are uninsured, underinsured, or unable to wait for care
Carry the Light Foward
When you shop or donate at Thrift & Gift, you are helping fund education, scholarships, and mental health support while strengthening a community built on compassion and connection.
Me and my mom love coming down to shop at your store and support your cause of suicide awareness. We always have a great time seeing you guys and talking about life, and we always leave in such a great mood after being there.
We are north of Springfield, but we will gladly make the drive because your store means so much to so many people.
The blessing box more than helped my household. Every single food item was useful ,used,and appreciated. It also shined a light letting us know people do still care. The time everybody put in and love we felt was immense. Thank you truly.
Receiving the Blessing Box helped my family so much — we truly enjoyed the meal. It reminded me why I love living in a small town with such caring people. The contents were incredibly useful and easy to access; we had everything we needed for Thanksgiving, and my kids were even able to help make some of the food, which made it extra special.