JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
Wendie Klem, manager of Whitwell’s CWC Thrift Store, spoke at the Powells Crossroads Ruritan Club’s recent meeting to discuss the thrift store’s accomplishments for 2025, and what is next for the local business 2026.
As the meeting commenced, Klem took a moment to describe the background regarding CWC Thrift Store. She explained the store was founded over a decade ago by members of Christian Worship Center Church, located in the heart of Whitwell on East Spring Street Avenue. The thrift store was established with three Christian based ideas in mind: to love God, love people, and serve the world. These three ideas are what the thrift store operates on, providing a variety of items and clothing for both the Whitwell and Powells Crossroads communities.
“Our goal is to provide for those in need,” said Klem. “To make sure that we are helping individuals from domestic violence, homelessness, or any catastrophic event within their lives. And we provide certain items for them.”
Klem continued and said the thrift store has taken strides across 2025 to implement new ways to further serve the community. One of the ways which the store has done so was through a coat drive hosted in October. The drive was held for two days within a given week, providing residents in need with coats for the colder days ahead. Additionally, Klem said the thrift store now takes in and sets aside worn items such as blankets for future donations towards a homeless shelter or animal rescue facility. This ensures each item donated to the thrift store is given new life to help those in need within the community.
“This past year in 2025, we’ve served more than 30 individuals and families,” said Klem.
Klem added the thrift store also provided meals for those in need during the holidays, ensuring no one went hungry during Thanksgiving and Christmas. CWC has also allowed all Christian based novels to be free of charge, alongside copies of the Bible provided at the store.
As for what’s ahead, Klem said the thrift store is aiming to provide Easter meals to the community in April, similarly to how meals were previously provided during the 2025 holiday season. Additionally, she stated the thrift store has opened its doors for adolescent volunteers to work in the store. This allows for youths to be given the opportunity to grow and learn about what it takes to be good employees through Christian values, a concept which will continue to be implemented across 2026.
“The idea is that we want to teach them what it is to be good employees, and what it is to work for God in a Christian organization and environment.” said Klem.
Klem stated additional support and benefits for all volunteers and vendors will be implemented for the thrift store, providing a greater sense of community support to all involved as CWC looks ahead to thrive throughout 2026.