MCC Connections celebrates 2 decades of service
Since opening on May 12, 2001, and with the help of more than 500 volunteers, MCC Connections has been able to send more than $8.5 million to Mennonite Central Committee for “relief, development and peace in the name of Christ.” MCC Connections will celebrate 20 years May 10-15 at its store in Kidron.
Thanks to a committed group of people coming together 20 years ago, the Ohio MCC Activity Center, better known as MCC Connections, was created. At that time this small thrift shop in Kidron — reselling every sort of clean, quality, donated goods imaginable — was born to support the work of Mennonite Central Committee, MCC Connections director Michael Amstutz said.
To mark the two decades of philanthropy MCC Connections has worked so hard for, it will hold a celebration for the public May 10-15.
“In order to observe God’s work and faithfulness through the years, MCC Connections invites the community to come and celebrate with us,” Amstutz said. “Special events for the week include a silent auction featuring local artisans, ending on (Wednesday) May 12, daily drawings for gift cards and gift baskets, and daily 20 cent bargains. There will be a special store-wide sale of 20% off everything on May 12 (excluding the silent auction). The week ends with a celebration on Saturday, May 15, which will include a free hot dog lunch and more games and special activities.”
Since opening on May 12, 2001, and with the help of more than 500 volunteers, MCC Connections has been able to send more than $8.5 million to Mennonite Central Committee for “relief, development and peace in the name of Christ,” Amstutz said.
“They have also contributed more than $300,000 to local ministries and agencies,” he said. “This community has shown strong support for the global mission of relief, development and peace in the name of Christ that is the mission of Mennonite Central Committee. Another thing customers share all of the time is how much they appreciate the cleanliness and look of the store — that it has a department and a boutique-type atmosphere — so people really enjoy shopping in that type of an environment.”
Amstutz said MCC Connections owes much of its layout direction to Bill and Edna Ressler, who laid the foundation for the type of store it is today.
MCC Connections has given many in the community an opportunity to serve a greater good, shown through its substantial number of volunteers. Amstutz said the store would not be able to be the success it is without those who have decided to dedicate their time to the organization.
“One of the founding principles in our mission and purpose statement for MCC Connections was providing a place for people to serve,” Amstutz said. “Throughout the years God has blessed us with hundreds of volunteers. We have heard from so many volunteers how much they appreciate having a place to make a difference. Some volunteers have even shared that their doctors attribute their good health to having a place to make a meaningful difference.”
The success of MCC Connections also depends on those who decide to donate their repurposed items. Amstutz said being good stewards of what God has provided involves donating and giving another family or individual a chance to also make use of an item no longer needed.
“We hope the next 20 years provides the same meaning to people in the community,” he said. “We also want to continue to support the work of MCC as they strive at building the kingdom of God by providing for physical needs across the globe. I don’t think enough can be said about the community support — both through donations and volunteering. God has indeed blessed us, and we want to continue to make a difference in our neighborhood and world.”
MCC Connections also has opened an outlet in Massillon, Amstutz said. “We hope that we can provide another option for finding excellent values and blessing another community,” he said.
To learn more about MCC Connections and its upcoming celebration, visit www.mccconnections.com, its Facebook page at MCC Connections Thrift Shop or call 330-857-7802.