Gabe Stark
The Trenton Telegraph

For more than five decades, the Church Women United (CWU) Thrift Shop has been a steady presence in Grundy County — a place where families can find affordable clothing and household items, volunteers can serve their neighbors, and proceeds quietly flow back into the community.

Now, with growing demand and limited space, CWU is preparing for its next chapter with plans to expand the store in 2026, with the purpose to better serve shoppers, volunteers and the many organizations that benefit from the thrift shop’s support.

Church Women United in Grundy County was officially organized on May 23, 1972, following planning meetings that began in October of 1971. The organization’s purpose is to encourage Christian women to come together in visible community to witness unity and faith in Jesus Christ.

Under the guidance of Dru Evans and Vera Cross, CWU opened the thrift shop on May 17, 1974. The shop was originally located at the northwest corner of Main Street and Crowder Road before relocating to its current site on July 12, 2009. In 2024, CWU celebrated 50 years of service to the community.

The thrift shop has remained open with the same hours for decades — Fridays from noon to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. — and is operated entirely by volunteers representing churches throughout Trenton and Grundy County.

Why an expansion is needed

As the number of shoppers and donations has increased, space inside the building has become a challenge. CWU’s board has approved plans to expand the building so the total size will be 1,290 square feet, allowing for improved retail space, processing areas, storage and recycling operations, while also meeting ADA accessibility requirements.

Currently, retail space limits the shop to 25 shoppers at a time based on square footage. Within 45 to 60 minutes of opening, an average of 79 numbers are handed out for timed entry. Families often wait outside in all types of weather, many with young children.

With the expanded space, the fire department-approved capacity would increase to 40 shoppers at a time. CWU leaders say this will significantly reduce wait times and help the shop better serve families from Grundy County and surrounding areas.

Processing space is also limited. Volunteers currently work within 416 square feet to sort, clean and price donations. The expansion will add additional processing space, allowing volunteers to work more safely and efficiently.

That space is used for a wide range of tasks — preparing items for retail sale, sorting clothing and shoes for overseas missions, recycling unusable items, and cleaning donations for local animal shelters.

Supporting missions, recycling and sustainability

Each week, an average of 26 thirteen-gallon bags of clothing and shoes are sorted, bagged and picked up for overseas missions. Currently, those bags are stored in the processing area, creating trip hazards. Additional space will allow storage to be moved closer to an exit, improving safety for volunteers.

Recycling is also a major part of CWU’s mission. Clothing and shoes that are ripped, stained or out of season are recycled rather than sent to local landfills. CWU partners with Hope Haven, which employs disadvantaged individuals from Grundy County to sort and process recycled items at its Chillicothe location.

On average, 84 thirty-gallon bags of clothing, shoes and cardboard are recycled each week from the thrift shop alone. Comforters and blankets are recycled and delivered by volunteers to the local animal shelter. Glass and metal are also recycled monthly, with expanded space allowing glass recycling to be stored safely indoors until transport.

CWU leaders say reducing waste and supporting employment opportunities are key reasons recycling efforts continue to grow.

Serving families with dignity

The thrift shop also plays a vital role in helping families during difficult times. Preferred Care clients, Division of Family Services clients and families affected by fires are able to shop at no cost. For other shoppers, families and individuals average about $17 per visit.

Additional space will allow for wider aisles and improved layout which will also help meet ADA requirements, creating 36-inch aisles and 60-inch clearance at entrances, exits and corners for wheelchairs, walkers and canes.

Volunteers make it possible

Forty-two volunteers currently donate their time at the thrift shop, representing churches across the community. Volunteers sort and hang clothing, clean and organize household items, price donations, manage recycling, prepare holiday items and run outdoor sales.

Outdoor sales take place every week, rain or shine, hot or cold, and give donated items another chance to sell. They also allow families waiting to enter the main store to shop while their number is being called.

Church Women United also offers opportunities for men and women to earn community service hours. Probation officers work with the CWU board chairman, and volunteers mentor individuals while they complete their service hours.

Giving back to the community

Funds raised through the thrift shop are donated back into the community on a regular basis. Monthly donations support organizations including the Ministerial Alliance, Community Food Pantry, Community Action Partnership of North Central Missouri, women’s shelter, Children’s Services, Lifeline Services, North 65 Senior Center, North Central Missouri Children’s Advocacy and Food Pals.

Additional donations throughout the year support local schools, food pantries and senior centers, scouting organizations, arts programs, health services and numerous nonprofit organizations. In 2025, CWU awarded 16 scholarships to nursing students and incoming freshmen at North Central Missouri College.

CWU leaders stress that none of this would be possible without the continued support of donors and shoppers. Donors are asked to bring items that are clean and in good working condition, packed in white trash bags or similar-sized boxes to make lifting easier for volunteers.

Donations for the Building Campaign 2026 may be mailed to Church Women United, 1705 Harris Ave., Trenton, MO 64683.

Those with memories or stories connected to the thrift shop are encouraged to share them as Church Women United continues building on a legacy of faith, service and community support