There is power in a pair of pants, strength in a shirt and joy in a jacket. Over the past 50 years, Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) has provided financial support around the world through its MCC Thrift shop network. To date, MCC Thrift shops have contributed more than $250 million to help people in need.

The first MCC Thrift shop opened in 1972 in Manitoba, Canada. Since then, the network has expanded to more than 85 stores across Canada and the United States. In Lancaster County and just outside the county, there are seven MCC Thrift shops: Columbia Re-Uzit Shop, Country Gift & Thrift Shoppe in Gap, Main Street Closet in Willow Street, Mount Joy Gift & Thrift, ReUzit on State in Ephrata, Re-Uzit Shop of New Holland and Morgantown ReUzit Shoppe. Last year, these stores raised more than $1.6 million for MCC's ministries.

"The first MCC Thrift shop to open in Lancaster County was the Re-Uzit Shop of New Holland in 1976," said Roland Anye, thrift shop coordinator for MCC East Coast. "Mount Joy Gift & Thrift and Columbia ReUzit Shop have been operational since 1977 and 1978 respectively."

As Anye explained, shopping at an MCC Thrift store benefits both the buyer and the recipient of MCC funds. Shoppers can pick up clothing, housewares and furniture for a bargain, while their purchases provide support on a global scale. After a minimal portion of the proceeds is used to keep the stores in operation, most of the money raised is donated to MCC. "Donations from the thrift shops are designated to 'where needed most,'" Anye said, explaining that the funds are used to support domestic and international work of MCC. MCC partners with other organizations to provide care kits to prisoners, agriculture education to farmers and peaceful conflict resolution education, as well as many other initiatives in the more than 40 countries where MCC works, Anye noted.

Deb King, national thrift shop coordinator for MCC U.S., emphasized that shopping at MCC Thrift shops can also have a positive impact on the environment by reducing waste and supporting climate sustainability. "By reducing the number of new items they purchase, shoppers can have a positive impact on the environment, keep clothing out of landfills and reduce the excess use of resources needed to make new clothing," she said.

To help celebrate MCC Thrift's 50th anniversary, the organization is holding the Thifty 50 Challenge, said Laura Pauls-Thomas, communications and donor relations associate for MCC East Coast. "Sign up to receive a weekly sustainability challenge that helps our planet," she explained, adding that participants will also have a chance to win an MCC Thrift gift card each week. Visit https://thrift.mcc.org/50/challenge to sign up.

"When I had small children, I frequented thrift shops and yard sales because it was the only option that fit into our budget," said King. "While that is still the case for many families, I am encouraged to see individuals who have disposable income choosing to shop at thrift shops. ... Thrifting is now practiced by people of all ages and income levels."