CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman’s Victoria’s Hope Thrift and Treasures is transitioning from its former location on Hwy 31 N to its new address 230 Hwy 278W, just west of the interstate and Dollar General, in the building previously occupied by Charlie’s Leather.
The nonprofit will be open in early June at their new location.
Owner April German shared, “I am super excited about this new location! There is going to be so much more room. We will have enough space to hold appliances, which has been a huge need that we haven’t been able to fill because we simply didn’t have the room. Now we do.
“God is good, this community is amazing and I feel so blessed to be able to continue this ministry and provide so much more with a bigger location.”
While seeking a larger location which fit their budgetary needs, April and her husband Craig had friends keeping their eyes open for just the right spot.
“We prayed about it and one of our volunteers found the place we are moving to. Craig and I checked it out that evening on the way home from the thrift store. We were able to see the building the next day and we fell in love with it immediately. Then, everything just fell into place after that.”
For qualifying shoppers, the store is available to shop for free needed items. Often, Victoria’s Hope makes this available to house fire and tornado victims.
German explained additional ways her shop serves the community.
“We also try to keep our prices extremely low for the public so that they can afford clothing for their family. All our shoes, clothes and purses are just $3.00 or less. We have people come in on Dollar Day and say how thankful they are that we have that because it’s the only way they can get clothes for their children.
“We also work with various other nonprofits by providing services such as clothing and furniture that their clients may need as well.”
When she was a teenager, German’s parents divorced, leaving her mom as a single parent for some time. She reflects on that time which inspired her to open Victoria’s Hope.
“I always remember my mom doing without so that we could have. She mentioned to me later in the years how she wishes there was a place where single mothers could get help without feeling embarrassed or afraid.
“She never got an opportunity to do that. She was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer in March of 2018 and she passed in May of 2018.
“I took my mother’s death hard, extremely hard. I’m a teacher and summer vacation approached. I needed something to fill the hole I felt and to keep my mind busy. That’s when I came up with the idea of finding single moms who might need a little pick me up with some new clothes. The community found out about my idea, donations started just flowing in and by the end of the summer, I had to rent an 800 square foot basement to store all the donations. Word got around so fast; it took off way more than I thought it ever would!”
For updates on the opening day and hours as they become available, please visit Victoria’s Hope’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/victoriashope1952.
