HOUSTON COUNTY, Ga. — Buttons and Threads opened its doors last week to customers looking for a sale. The store also opened in hopes of becoming a source of important financial support for homeless shelters in Houston County.
Octavia Richmond is the owner of Buttons and Threads Thrift Store.
She’s received plenty of donations since her grand opening last week, but her store has a bigger mission than providing shoppers deals.
“I just noticed how thrifting can also be helpful to causes as well just for shopping, but it’s also helpful to cause and so that’s how I put the two together. For my love for the community, as well as my love for thrifting. That’s how Buttons and Threads came," Richmond said.
Wanting to support the homeless community isn't new for Richmond.
She’s had her own experiences helping homeless people, especially women, back in Chicago.
"It stem from me starting that transitional housing program that I started there in Chicago. It has allowed me propelled me still to have the compassion still for the homeless community even when I came here," Richmond said.
When you make a purchase at Buttons and Threads, part of your purchase will go towards a homeless shelter in Houston County.
Richmond plans to change the recipients each quarter. For now, proceeds will go towards Haven Hope House and Genesis Joy House Homeless Shelter.
If you’re not going to make a purchase, you can also make a difference by volunteering.
“I definitely do need some volunteers to come in because we do have tons of stuff and it’s still coming in. We still have donations drives that are in different parts of Houston County, so things are coming in every day," Richmond said.
Richmond also wanted to open her store to the community in another way. The inspiration station is a room that will be used based on the community’s needs.
"You know I’m really looking for people like seniors and youth groups and stuff like that to come. Church groups, hopes groups like my hope group. Some of them have interest in coming here having their Bible class here," Richmond said.
At the end of the day, Richmond emphasizes that Buttons and Threads is a place for the community.
"This is our thrift store because it’s for the community, so I want it to feel that way. It’s not just my thrift store, it’s Houston County’s," Richmond said.
If you're interested in volunteering, you can call the store at 478-333-1205.