THRIFT STORE EXPANDING

The Teen Challenge Thrift Store has expanded operations. Teen Challenge officials will officially mark the opening of a 2,200-square-foot room adjoining the current 6,600-square-foot operation at 117 N. Middle at 9 a.m. Thursday."We needed the extra space," said Jack Smart, executive director of Teen Challenge International of Mid-America. "The new space will be used primarily for furniture, exercise equipment and other large items."The public is welcome to attend the opening ceremony.

The room has been open a couple of weeks, and also contains a number of books along wall shelving.

The thrift store, run by volunteers who are members of the Teen Challenge Auxiliary, opened at its new location on Middle Street in 1998.

The store, which sells used clothing, furnishings, toys, books and miscellaneous items, first opened in 1979, at 10 N. Middle. The store was destroyed by fire July 15, 1998.

Three months later, on Oct. 15, the store reopened at its new location.

The thrift store provides funding to help in the operation of Teen Challenge International of Mid-America (TCI-MA), about five miles north of Cape Girardeau. Proceeds from the store have provided water softeners, commercial cooking facilities, ice machines and other items at TCI-MA.The local center is one of more than 280 centers worldwide that helps individuals in their fight against drug addiction, alcohol abuse and other life-controlling programs.