POWDERSVILLE — Miracle Hill Ministries has been helping the less fortunate for some 70 years but now, with a new thrift store, the community will be able to return the favor.

Ground was broken on April 5 for the Miracle Hill Thrift Store off S.C. 153 in Powdersville. The new store will resell donated items with the proceeds going to benefit the many programs and services offered by the ministry.

Leaders of the organization were on hand along with local business and civic leaders to celebrate the day.

Bryce Norton, president and CEO of Miracle Hill, welcomed all in attendance and spoke of the importance of the organization’s work.

“The number of lives which will be touched by this location can’t be estimated but the impact it will make stands without question,” Norton said. “We at Miracle Hill want to thank our friends and partners in Powdersville, Anderson County, and Pickens County for their help in making this a reality. We will be able to provide food and shelter and help as many children as we can.”

Cindy Hopkins, president of the Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce, saw this as a symbol of what business and philanthropy in a community may achieve.

“About nine years ago business leaders in Powdersville met with the chamber and struck a partnership, a partnership to grow together as one business district and today is an example of what that collaboration makes possible,” Hopkins said. “This is exciting for us, not only business leaders but members of the community as well. We are in the business of economic development and job creation and this center will be an addition to that.”

According to the organization’s history, in 1937, Miracle Hill Ministries began as a soup kitchen and small rescue mission in downtown Greenville.

“Since then, we have grown with the Upstate — expanding to meet the changing and diverse needs of homeless, hungry and destitute people. With your help we have become the largest and most comprehensive provider of shelter and food to homeless children, women and men in Upstate South Carolina,” according to the group.

Bryce Norton, president and CEO of Miracle Hill Ministries, welcomed all in attendance for the groundbreaking for the new Miracle Hill Thrift Store in Powdersville.
http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/web1_20160405_100323.jpgBryce Norton, president and CEO of Miracle Hill Ministries, welcomed all in attendance for the groundbreaking for the new Miracle Hill Thrift Store in Powdersville. D. C. Moody | The Pickens Sentinel

The groundbreaking for Miracle Hill Thrift Store in Powdersville was held April 5. The new store will provide for the reselling of items with proceeds benefiting those in need within the community.
http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/web1_20160405_100708.jpgThe groundbreaking for Miracle Hill Thrift Store in Powdersville was held April 5. The new store will provide for the reselling of items with proceeds benefiting those in need within the community. D. C. Moody | The Pickens Sentinel

By D. C. Moody

dmoody@civitasmedia.com

Reach D. C. Moody at 864-855-0355.