A new thrift store is opening next week to offer affordable merchandise for families. The Dungannon Development Commission, Inc. is opening a thrift shop in Gate City. Not only will items for sale in the store be inexpensive but it provides additional income for the organization and allows the community to recycle their clothing and wares.
Mountain Treasures Thrift Store officially opens Monday, March 12, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at their new location at 372 West Jackson Street in Gate City. The store is located adjacent to Scott County Farm Bureau and across the street from Presley’s Market. Officials are serving light refreshments, door prizes and free gifts, while they last for customers while they browse through gently used and vintage items at great prices. Mountain Treasures Thrift Store is stocked with clothing, jewelry, shoes, purses, books, linens, household items, artwork and much more will be available. Everyone is invited to come and buy a treasure. Regular business hours for the store are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dungannon Development Commission, Inc. is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1979. At the heart of its mission statement is a desire to help local people enjoy a better quality of life. Their mission is: To be a participatory membership organization that involves the people in building a better community through providing survival skills, environmentally sound economic development, affordable and safe housing and youth empowerment programs. The DDC serves all areas of Scott County through its many projects and programs. Donations of merchandise to be resold in the Mountain
Treasures Thrift Store are tax deductible and are accepted during regular business hours. This is the second thrift store that the commission has opened. In May 2003, the Dungannon Development Commission opened its first store in Dungannon. The first store is located beside the Dungannon United Methodist Church on the main street (Route 65). “Since the store opened it has proudly served the citizens of Scott County and surrounding counties,” explained Travis Perry, executive director of the DDC. “We thank our customers for making the store a success.”

Thursday, March 13, 2003
By Kevin Castle Times-News
GATE CITY - They aren't your normal spring breakers.
They may look like normal college and high school students, out in the sun with the music and shades on.

But instead of breaking out the suntan oil and the beach balls, these students are covered with sawdust and Sheetrock powder as they pound nails and saw boards.

Members of the Maranatha Christian Reformed Church from Cambridge, Ontario, and students from the universities of Notre Dame and Penn State spent Tuesday repairing roofs, walls and floors of two homes in Gate City.

The homes are being refurbished as part of a program administered by the Dungannon Development Commission called the HELP project, which stands for Housing Enterprises for Low-Income People.

DDC Director Travis Perry said the project, originated in 1992, lets church organizations and college programs supply manpower for repair projects for families who meet certain guidelines.

"We have helped hundreds of families, and the number of families who have requested our services has increased by 42 percent,'' Perry said. "We determine what families can be helped by using poverty guidelines.''

The University of Notre Dame students participating are part of an annual offering the institution calls the "Alumni/Student Appalachia Project.''

According to Maranatha youth leader Rob Byma, this marks the fifth journey from Canada to Scott County the church has made for the rebuilding project.

"It's an eye-opener when you come here, from the landscape to the culture,'' Byma said.

"I remember a quote from a kid who came here last year. He said, ‘You see how little they have here, yet they're so happy, and we have so much, and we still complain.'

"That is not at all a reflection on the people, but I can tell you that when you help someone - no matter who it is - it always makes you feel better to make someone's life a little better with the work we do.''

Church member Mark Devos made his first visit to Virginia on the trip, and he said it has been a learning experience.

"The landscape, the people - it's all incredible. As far as the building aspect, I've never done anything like that, so I've really enjoyed taking on some new skills, and it's really great to help these folks out,'' said Devos.

Sharon Miedema, a youth leader, and Alison Prescott, 17, tackled the chore of redoing an entire bathroom. "We did a similar project in Mexico last year, so this has definitely been a change. Instead of going somewhere warm and sunny, I enjoy going somewhere where I can help someone,'' said Miedema.

"It is just great to learn the different aspects of life, the experience of it all, the lifestyle, the way the people here are so laid-back compared with where we live. But yet when it comes to helping someone, they pull together, and that is unique.''

Prescott tackled the sink with a fellow church member, along with digging dirt and replacing baseboards. "I think it took a lot longer than it should have, but we enjoyed getting in there and getting our hands dirty. Girl power!'' she said.

Perry said he anticipates 32 homes in the Scott County area will be refurbished this year with volunteer workers in the HELP program.

Copyright 2002 Kingsport Times-News