Christmas thrift store provides ‘hope’ for the holidays

STERLING HEIGHTS — It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at 43584 Van Dyke Ave., between 19 Mile and Hall roads. 

That’s because the nonprofit organization Grace Centers of Hope has opened its annual Christmas Thrift Store for the holiday season. 

The shop, located next to GCH’s year-round thrift store, is a festive way to hunt for bargain holiday decorations and Christmas gifts for under the tree.

The store resembles Santa’s workshop with cheerful ceramic snowmen, Santa Bears, dishes, twinkling lights, ornaments, Nativity scenes, Christmas villages and table decorations for sale. Wreaths and Christmas stockings deck the halls, and Santa Claus figurines in all shapes and sizes adorn the store. Shoppers may even find some vintage pieces.

The items — both brand new and gently used — are sold at discounted prices and were donated by community members who support GCH. The Christian-based mission offers programs for individuals recovering from drug addiction, alcoholism, human trafficking, abuse and homelessness.

GCH, located at 35 E. Huron St. in Pontiac, supports men, women and children throughout southeast Michigan. Darin Weiss, who will begin his role as GCH chief operating officer Jan. 1, 2025, said the goal is to raise $10,000 at the Christmas store this season.

“Every dollar that comes through the store will support Grace Centers of Hope,” said Weiss, 49, of Shelby Township. Weiss, who is also lead pastor at the GCH church, added that the charity does not receive any government funding. It is privately funded, and staff also hold ongoing fundraisers. 

Men and women at GCH are enrolled in the One-Year Life Skills program. They live at the facility where they attend classes every day, participate in Bible studies, and undergo individual and group counseling. Those who didn’t finish high school are encouraged to get their GEDs, and everyone has a relapse prevention plan. 

Residents also utilize the Career and Education Center to work on their resumes, interview skills and financial planning. Parents can bring their children to live at the facility with them. Weiss said that children attend Clawson Public Schools. 

Everyone who comes to the center must do their part to earn their keep. They either assist at the center’s kitchen, landscape the grounds or work at one of the four thrift store locations in Sterling Heights, Warren, Oak Park and Waterford. 

“We believe in accountability and responsibility. Their commitment leads to dignity, worth, value and significance. We believe that community is really the answer. We like to say we are restoring lives,” Weiss said. 

“Grace Centers of Hope is about being accepted. You meet other people who are kind of in the same place as you’re at. We want to help them prepare for success. It’s life-changing.”

Nick Moran, 32, is one of the hardworking staff members currently employed at the Christmas store. His duties include welcoming customers, helping them find merchandise, stocking shelves and cleaning the store. Moran, who grew up in Port Huron, is still in the One-Year Life Skills program. 

“In my late 20s and early 30s I sank deep in alcohol,” said Moran, who learned about GCH through a treatment program. “I was still kind of in denial. I didn’t think I needed a yearlong program. I was very glad to be here. Your first couple weeks are a little bit uneasy.”

“I’ve seen him turn into this guy he thought he’d never be,” said Erik Overpeck, 36, who is the GCH director of thrift store operations. Overpeck came to the center to beat his opioid addiction, which began several years ago after taking medication for an injury. 

“One thing led to another,” said Overpeck, who eventually began shooting heroin. “I was numb to everything so I didn’t have to deal with anything.”

There were times in which he slept in garbage cans or stood at busy intersections asking for handouts. 

“People would give me money,” said Overpeck, who grew up in New Baltimore. “I would go get high.” 

Life got so unmanageable that he ended up in a hospital for 93 days with a heart issue called endocarditis and sepsis, both of which he overcame. A relative went through GCH, which prompted Overpeck to come to the facility. 

“I had been to many other treatment centers before,” Overpeck said. “I don’t feel like I’m alone here. I feel like these are my people. I don’t feel judged.”    

He also got in touch with his spiritual side. 

“I never had a relationship with God,” he said. “I never went to church growing up. That was a key component.”

Overpeck is now married and has two young children. He’s been drug-free since 2019.

The Christmas Thrift Store is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays throughout December. 

For more information on Grace Centers of Hope, visit gracecentersofhope.org or call (855) HELP-GCH. Donations to the thrift stores are welcome from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. Visit the website to see a list of accepted and unaccepted items.