Mission store back in Monongahela
By Eric Seiverling
eseiverling@yourmvi.com
After months of anticipation, City Mission has returned to Monongahela.
The Christian-based operation held the grand opening of its newest thrift store, located at 211 West Main St., Monday morning.
The store is the second thrift shop City Mission has opened in Monongahela. It previously had a store in the 100 block of West Main St. until last year.
That store closed in October because the building was sold to a new owner.
“We are very grateful to be back here in Monongahela,” City Mission President and CEO Dean Gartland said.
Proceeds from sales help fund the Mission’s programs, which provide assistance to the homeless and needy. The store’s motto is “Thrift with a purpose.”
City Mission personnel in attendance included Gartland, chief development officer Dr. Sally Mounts, board member Jeff McCartney, CEO Brian Johansson, director of Hope Enterprises Mark Vinoverski and the store’s manager, Charmaine Benton.
Officials in attendance at Monday’s event included representatives from the offices of Rep. Bud Cook, R-West Pike Run Township, Sen. Camera Bartolotta, R- Carroll Township, and U.S. Rep Guy Reschenthaler, R-Peters Township.
Monongahela Main Street Program Executive Director Terry Necciai, Rev. Jude Urso of First United Methodist Church, members of the Monongahela Area Chamber of Commerce and K-Love 98.3 FM were also there.
The 6,800-square-foot store will carry gently used clothing, furniture, glassware, home decor, books, music and other items. The store will also serve as a donation center, but will not accept flammable items, ammunition, mattresses, box springs, building materials and furniture with excessive damage.
Mon Valley Area Chamber of Commerce Vice President Michelle DeHosse said the store’s new location sat vacant for three years.
“The big question was when will the City Mission open,” DeHosse said. “We are thrilled to have the Mission back. It will bring a lot of foot traffic to this area.
“It looks phenomenal. They’re a wonderful group to have downtown.”
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