Store holds giveaway

Published 11:59 pm Monday, October 26, 2009

The name of Shelia Evans’ non-profit organization and its mission are one in the same — “Do What Jesus Did.”

The “Do What Jesus Did” thrift store, located on River Falls Street in Andalusia, normally offers clothing and other items at reduced prices. But on Monday, everything in the store was free.

“Every year, there’s one day where we give away everything in the store, and it’s completely free,” she said. “We just want to be a blessing to the community. Jesus did everything he could to help those in need, and that’s what we’re trying to do as well.”

Evans said the local radio station WAAO helped advertise the event and people started showing up early Monday.

“It’s been very busy all day,” Evans said at approximately 12:45 p.m. “It will probably be like this until everything is gone. We’ve got shoes, clothing, dishes, toys — a little bit of everything.”

Evans attends Andalusia Full Gospel Tabernacle, but the thrift store is not associated with any particular church.

“This is just something that God has given me to do,” she said. “I just want to give back to the community.”

The store is open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

Evans said she receives a large number of donations, including leftovers from local yard sales. In addition, people are welcome to drop off items at the store.

“We’ll take anything,” she said.

Evans added that the store would not be possible without her volunteers, which include Joyce Ogutu, Joseph Ogutu, Sue Caldwell, Gwen Baxter, Joyce Laddon, Julia Evans, Millie Simms, Ann Walker, Angie Pettis, Catherine Billips and Breanna Johnson.