Several months ago, Amy Punt found herself scanning the streets of Britton with a new purpose. A longtime fan of thrifting and a veteran of estate sales, she had quietly and prayerfully been mulling the idea of opening a secondhand store that could also serve the community.
Punt, a Marshall County native who now lives in Langford, is no stranger to the world of auctions and estate sales. She wanted to channel that experience into something with a higher purpose—a thrift store that could meet local needs while giving back.
Finding the right location was the next hurdle. Main Street didn’t offer the right fit, and they weren’t sure where to look next. Then came a break: Little Sprouts Daycare, housed in the old Cornerstone Bible Church building on 6th Street across from the school, closed its doors and the property went up for sale. Punt approached the church with the idea. Instead of selling, they offered the space for the thrift store, with store proceeds covering operating costs (utilities, taxes, and insurance) and the remainder going to the pantry.
Cornerstone Bible Church Pastor Kevin Koop supported the vision wholeheartedly. “We believe it’s a good cause and a great opportunity for people from several churches to work together to provide a benefit to our community. We’re thankful Amy brought the idea forward and gathered a wonderful group to carry it out,” he said.
Only a few people knew of the idea and they were ‘all in’ to volunteer and help drive the effort. The team of volunteers started to form. They had the same vision: a nonprofit, community-based, Christ-centered store that would be non-denominational. The mission was clear: proceeds would go to the Marshall County Food Pantry, which relies entirely on donations to operate.
With a location secured, the small team began to bring in additional volunteers and collecting merchandise. So many people have wanted a thrift store in Britton and these folks continue to surface and volunteer, the organizers noted.
The response was overwhelming. “People were so willing to give,” Punt said. “They had items they’d much rather donate to a good cause than throw away.” Donations of clothing, shoes, kitchenware, toys, household goods, and even furniture poured in. Volunteers signed up to help on store days or to help sort merchandise in the basement.
A crew of dedicated community members, including longtime local Kathy Buisker—whose in-laws once ran Buisker Thrift on Main Street—spent countless hours sorting donations and setting up the shop. “It’s a great idea and something this community needs,” Buisker said.
Food Pantry Director Marie Marlow expressed gratitude for the new partnership and the strong community response. “We are so thankful for this support,” she said. “The food pantry receives no federal or government funding, so we rely entirely on donations.”
After hundreds of volunteer hours, the 3C’s Thrift Store—short for Christ’s Compassion for Community—opened during Harvest Days in early August. The debut was a success, offering everything from nearly-new shoes and clothing to quirky knickknacks. Shoppers were from Pennsylvania to California and volunteers ranged from eight years old to volunteers wishing they were eight. “We have had numerous people who enjoy thrifting and littles who like all the toys/books in the play area,” said Punt.
3Cs has now been open for several weeks, the store operates Thursdays from 3–6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. at 902 6th Street. Donations of clean, gently used clothing and household items in boxes/bags that weigh under 20 pounds are accepted, with bedding labeled (queen, king, etc) and no paint or aerosols. Individuals may volunteer to sort items and help during store hours.
The volunteers agree, the store is more than a place to shop—it’s a way to bring people together. The store is able to help the food pantry, meeting needs, and giving folks a fun, affordable place to find something special. It’s about community in every sense of the word.
