Union Gospel Mission Summit Thrift to Open May 1

It's called Summit Thrift. It's the new Yakima Union Gospel Mission thrift store opening May 1 at 56th and Summitview in the former Rite Aid building next to Safeway. Union Gospel Mission Executive Director Mike Johnson says work is underway to refurbish and clean up the store to give it new life after the building sat vacant for years. He says they're reworking the inside of the building to create a clean inviting atmosphere.Work is also happening outside the store to clean up the property.

Summit Thrift is in addition to two other thrift stores that are owned and operated by the Yakima Union Gospel Mission. Johnson says they've seen a lot of success at the original Lighthouse Thrift Store on South Front Street and the Lincoln Mission Thrift store located on Lincoln Avenue. Johnson says those two stores currently generate enough money to fully fund all administrative costs at the mission meaning no salaries or other costs come from donated dollars.
The new Summit Thrift Store on Summitview will help in eventually reaching a goal of using 100% of all donations for clients and programs. Right now that number stands at nearly 90% with some of the donations being used to actually raise more funding to operate the mission.
Johnson says Summit Thrift will operate just like the other stores with items for sale and funding going directly to help in operating the mission and funding administrative costs. Summit Thrift is already receiving donations and is set to open at the new store on May 1.