Consider the many thrift stores, all in which serve a mission that gives back to the community in which they serve.

One of those thrift stores is the Youngsville Restore was started by Youngsville Branch Fellowship Church in 2003 and named based on the Bible verse Isaiah 42:22. Youngsville Branch Fellowship Church, an interdenominational New Testament Church, was founded in July 2002 by Branch Ministries, a church planting and supporting ministry headquartered in Titusville, Pa., that has been functioning since 1983.

Jane Carter and Matilda “Till” Lamey, two widows in their late 80s from Titusville, were the first to manage Restore followed by several others before the spring of 2013, when Diane Payne and a team of core volunteers from many local churches began to direct the practical side of the Restore ministry in conjunction with Love Inc., of the Brokenstraw Valley, a ministry connecting Christians with service opportunities.

Having extensive experience in management at Blair, Payne has dedicated the last 13 years to Youngsville Restore, helping grow the outreach while bringing in many others who have come alongside to serve. There are about 45 volunteers who help at Restore on a regular basis. Volunteers share that it brings them joy to hear the prayers offered and see the community shop for those in need, such as a little one born in Garland recently.

Al Hooper, Debbie Henry, Dee Wilbur, and Bridget Birchard are volunteers at the Youngsville Restore.

“The ability to provide for immediate needs of a family who had a house fire, are all experiences of the Lord providing for the needs,” said Joshua Baker, the church’s pastor. “The joy experienced in the everyday conversations and prayers spoken for others are additional examples that demonstrate the primary mission at Restore, which is to provide an opportunity for believers to engage the community with practical and supernatural restoration that only the Lord Jesus offers.”

The benefits of having such a place go beyond what people may consider, with the store providing the ability to divert tens of thousands of pounds of textiles and household goods from landfills each year.

People in need of a healthy environment and community service hours often enjoy working with the people at Restore who genuinely care about them, their families and their situations. Financial support for outreach and care for the community is achieved through Branch Fellowship Church as well as a variety of local ministries through the generous donations that are received. A donation shed in the back of the parking lot is available for the dropping off of household goods and clothing. Branch Fellowship Church meets in the rear of the building on Sundays at 9:45 a.m.

There is a need for a new floor in the sorting area as well as roof repairs of the warehouse that is used to process donations. To contribute, make checks payable to YBFC RESTORE. For more information or to volunteer call 814-563-8863. Large items and padded furniture are by appointment only. Part of the Youngsville Branch Fellowship Church, the Restore is located on 103 E. Main St., Youngsville. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.