Business & Merchant

Last Updated on Thursday, 30 May 2019 14:20

By Jill Runfola

On Monday, May 20 City Mission celebrated the Grand Opening of its Thrift Store in the Tri-County Plaza in Belle Vernon, PA.

City Mission Thrift Store Ribbon Cutting

The store opening ceremony included a prayer, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, benediction and an invitation to shop the new store. The store was open for business at 10:30 am, and shoppers enjoyed a store-wide sale with 25% off on purchases of gently used furniture, clothing, household goods, and more.

"We are excited to open our store in Belle Vernon as we look to continue to further our efforts to those in need,” says Dean Gartland, President and CEO of City Mission.

Mark Vinoverski, Director of Business Enterprises adds, "We will continue to offer the quality merchandise at a good value along with the friendly customer service that our City Mission Thrift stores are known for."

Every day there is new merchandise on the sales floor because of consistent donations made to City Mission by residents from Washington, Allegheny, Westmoreland, and Fayette Counties.

Store Manager Rita Conti says of the new store, “I’ve been anxiously awaiting our grand opening,” said Rita Conti, the new store manager. “I think it’s going to be great, and the people that the mission helps are amazing.”

All of the proceeds, from the City Mission Thrift Stores benefit the programs for residents at City Mission, who come from all areas of our region and beyond. Established in 1941, City Mission is a Christ-centered rehabilitative homeless shelter that not only provides food and shelter – but provides a comprehensive, holistic approach with Biblically-based counseling and personal healing, and life-changing programs that help restore individuals to regain their independence.

In the photo: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: L-R: Brian Johansson, Chief Operating Officer; Kathy Makripodis, City Mission Board of Directors; Mark Vinoverski, Director of Hope Enterprises (manages all thrift stores and thrift store warehouse); Karen Vinoverski, wife of Mark; and Caleb Vinoverski, son of Mark.

The new City Mission Thrift Store is located at 370 Tri-County Lane, Belle Vernon, PA 15012. Store hours are Monday thru Saturday from 9:00 am – 8:00 pm. Most major credit cards are accepted.