Mary Quiggle, Twice is Nice resale shop manager

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead . . . 1 Peter 1:3

Thirty years ago, a group of people at College Church began exploring ways to serve the residents of South Carol Stream. One of the results of that exploration was the formation of a resale store—Twice is Nice (TIN). The store was designed to raise funds for the Outreach Community Center in South Carol Stream. This marks our 30th year of operation.

This milestone has us reflecting on the heritage of Twice Is Nice. The story of TIN’s beginnings is an important part of who we are, and its continuance provides a legacy for the next generation. These thirty years have seen the store grow into a flourishing ministry, and as it has grown, so has its influence in the community grown.

Money is the tangible part of what we do, but it is the intangible that is so deeply significant. As a store, what we are about is hope. The hope that is found in the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. That is our work. We seek to bring hope to the last, the least and the lost of our community.

We provide hope for the poor who are looking to find ways to clothe their children decently. We provide hope for STARS who find fulfillment by working in our store. We provide hope by creating opportunities for people doing community service. We provide hope by creating employment for students or families who might need a second income. We provide hope for the lonely who can be a part of a community of serving volunteers. In many ways, that is the story of Twice is Nice. But what we strive to provide is a place where many will hear of a hope that is eternal, a hope grounded in the One who gives abundant and eternal life. Would you pray that as we collect donations, sell items and meet customers and volunteers that our store would always reflect and proclaim Jesus? That is our hope: that our store would be a place where many find true hope in Jesus.