Sales to assist local, international groups in need
As a former youth pastor, the challenge of helping those within the community or those around the world tugged Brent Ressler in opposite directions.
“Why does it have to be an ‘or?’ Why can’t it be an ‘and?’” he asked.
Now he has an idea to do both.
After nine years at Chillicothe Bible Church, Ressler began Small World Connections, serving as executive director.
Ressler said he and the board of directors are excited to start a project to help both locally and internationally — a resale shop.
The idea is modeled after a shop in his parent’s town in Indiana, Ressler said. The shop there has moved multiple times to bigger areas and finally into an abandoned grocery store.
Ressler already has volunteers willing to help and even some donated items, but lacks a location.
Without a building, there is nothing to fund yet, but Ressler said after talking to one church in the area, he walked away with a $1,000 check for the project.
He gave half of the money to CrossWord Café, which is one of the local organizations the board plans to assist, along with Rescue 33 and the food pantry.
Ressler said an ideal location is something on Fourth Street with high visibility. Already looking at some locations, the right fit, he said, will be something that has enough room for the processing of donated items, as well as room for floor space to display the merchandise.
“It just seems like the potential for it is so good,” said Ressler.
With Chillicothe known as a town that rallies behind causes, Ressler said he thought residents would be on board with this idea, too.
Ressler was reminded recently of his own material goods by cleaning out his closets, and finding 10 times more material goods than what he needs.
“We can use our surplus for people in need around here and also around the world,” said Ressler.
Not only can residents donate items they do not use anymore, those who need affordable, used items can shop at the store.
“And with the economy the way it is, the timing is right,” said John Heffron.
In Indiana, Heffron said he observed the impact of the resale shop there.
“It’s a fun place to shop, I guess,” he said. “I don’t see why we couldn’t have the same in Chillicothe.”
