Located in the basement of St. Cyprian's Anglican Church, Blessings Thrift Store volunteers are aiming to provide a friendly place for a visit as well.
Sheila Chapman, who attends St. Cyprian's, said Louise Bell had the inspiration to start up the thrift store in the church.
"Louise is big on thrift stores - she created the one in Clive as well," she explained.
"And so we had cleaned out this area of the church, and she was thinking about what we should do here."
Bell suggested a thrift store, which was just launched in early December. Blessings is open Thursdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
"We are trying to keep it nice and classy, and we are also trying to keep the prices low," said Chapman, adding the money raised will be donated to various charities around Lacombe. Donations can be made during opening hours as well.
"It's very important to have this - it brings a sense of community," said Chapman. "It's for the community, so it's also about having a place where people can come and have a cup of coffee, and a visit," she added.
"That is how we feel about the whole thing. They can purchase things if they wish, but if they just want to come and have a visit, that's fine, too."
For Bell, seeing the basement space used in this way is indeed fulfilling.
"The church hall was just basically empty. It has some very nice features as well." \
As mentioned, Bell has started several thrift stores in the past, so she has plenty of experience in this regard.
Like Chapman, she also emphasized the importance of having a coffee corner to bolster a local sense of community as well.
"I'm hoping people use the coffee corner to knit, and have a visit," she said, adding she is delighted to see other church volunteers come forward to help out with a real sense of enthusiasm.
"They are also going to set up a page on Facebook, so people can watch for that, too - it will be called 'Blessings Thrift Store and Coffee Corner.' I want people to come, relax, feel at home, and feel safe. It is a ministry for sure."
