For over seven decades, the Adventist Community Services Thrift Store has stood as a beacon of hope and support in the Detroit Lakes area. Founded in 1949, this thrift store, located on the grounds of the Detroit Lakes Seventh-day Adventist Church, has played a vital role in supporting the community through various initiatives and aid programs. Currently under the dedicated stewardship of Dan Daniels, who has diligently overseen operations for the past three years, the store operates primarily through the selfless dedication of volunteers.
Apart from director Dan Daniels, the team consists of volunteers who devote their time and efforts to ensure the store’s success. The group of eight active volunteers manages the store’s operations. Volunteers contribute their skills to various tasks, including treasurer duties, paperwork, sorting, pricing, managing the register, and maintaining the store’s cleanliness. The store also engages with community programs such as Day Star, a work release initiative for local jail inmates.
One of the cornerstones of the thrift store’s work is its commitment to collecting and distributing donations of food and clothing. This dedication extends beyond just offering affordable goods to locals. In recent times, the store, which is open three days a week, has generously given away 36 totes and 121 bags of clothing to the Pine Point Indian Reservation, responding to specific requests from the reservation’s chief. Moreover, collaborations with various organizations like the Disabled American Veterans, Becker County, First Lutheran Church, and Lakes Crisis Center have resulted in significant aid. This includes providing 482 bags of clothes to DAV, handling 41 referrals, and aiding 65 individuals by offering 463 clothing items and 20 boxes of kitchen items.
In addition to providing material support, the Adventist Community Services Thrift Store actively participates in outreach programs. They distribute religious material like Amazing Facts and offer free Bible studies. Notably, their efforts led to the recent baptism of an individual who attended a seminar.
The store’s outreach extends to collaborating with the White Earth rehab center, providing assistance and resources. They also act as a food pantry, distributing 150 pounds of food to those in need of it. Additionally, they assist the homeless, coordinating accommodations through arranging and funding hotel stays, partly facilitated by the ministerial committee. Furthermore, the store donates clothing and items to a bus service that travels to the Indian reservation, spearheaded by church members Mike and Shari Williams. This bi-weekly service involves providing free Bible studies, clothes, and health information.
In addition, their altruism extends to other areas of need. After a tornado struck the area last year, the store initiated fundraising efforts to reroof two local houses. Recently, they insulated and wrapped a trailer home for a young family in need.
The thrift store’s profits are channeled toward supporting various causes monthly, with $750 donated to organizations like Lakes Crisis Center, Hospice, and Health Resources Center. Their efforts were recognized last year when they were voted the best non-profit in the area, receiving a $5,000 grant from KLN Family Brands. Moreover, their commitment to volunteerism extends to being recognized by the AmeriCorps Point of Light program, with Daniels submitting applications for presidential awards based on the volunteers’ collective hours of service, with each volunteer receiving a medal, certificate and a letter from the president.
Dan Daniels’ commitment to service doesn’t end with the thrift store. He also volunteers as a character development instructor at the Civil Air Patrol in Crookston, Minnesota, contributing to shaping the next generation.
The Adventist Community Services Thrift Store has been an indispensable force for good in Detroit Lakes for many years. Its unwavering commitment to serving the community, aiding the needy, and fostering volunteerism exemplifies the very essence of compassionate and selfless service. Under the guidance of dedicated individuals like Dan Daniels and the team of devoted volunteers, the store continues to make a profound impact, enriching lives and shining a light in the local community.
Amy Bacon is associate communication director for the Minnesota Conference. Dan Daniels contributed to this article.
