Something old becomes new in the hands of customers at Hope is Alive Ministries’ Retreads Thrift

Amid the colorful racks of clothing, gleaming displays of jewelry and assorted knick-knacks, a sign hangs on the wall of a local store with the message: “Old stuff = new life.”

Lance Lang said the sign has a dual meaning that fits particularly well with Retreads Thrift Store, a new venture of Hope is Alive Ministries. The ministry, which opened June 1 at 9470 N May in The Village, was founded by Lang and his wife Allyson, and the couple currently serves as co-CEOs of the nonprofit.

“That’s what it’s all about, giving new life to old things, things that may have lost their purpose now have a new purpose,” Lang said. “So there’s a dual meaning of both the products and the store, because all the funds support the ministry.”

According to Lang, the shop’s name, Retreads, means the company retreads old tires, which also hints at the shop’s purpose.

Oklahoma City-based Hope is Alive, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2023, is committed to helping people in recovery from addiction and their families find hope and new life.

More: Hope is Alive Celebrates 10 Years of Helping Others ‘Build a Life Worth Living’ with Sobriety

Long said Hope is Alive’s mission is to transform the lives of addicts, alcoholics and their loved ones by providing recovery homes for men and women and support groups for the loved ones of addicts and alcoholics. The ministry has recovery homes in Oklahoma and several other states. The Finding Hope support groups are for people whose loved ones are struggling with addiction, while Hope After Loss support groups are for people whose loved ones have died while in the grip of addiction.

Lang said the Retreads store not only serves as an additional source of funding, but also provides employment for Hope is Alive alumni and current participants.

He said the store also offers Hope is Alive supporters a new way to volunteer for the ministry, and a way to support the ministry by donating items. People have responded positively to the ministry’s request for donated items. During a recent tour of the store, Lang showed that the store’s large back room was filled with bags, bins and boxes of items from donations destined for the Retreads sales floor.

‘Beacon of hope’

Hope Alive leaders began searching for a suitable location for Retreads in January.

Lang said the store at the corner of Britton Road and May Avenue was chosen because of the busy traffic there, but also because it is close to a number of Hope is Alive recovery homes and there are nearby residents who might be inclined to donate items.

Lang said they consciously wanted to create a positive, bargain-filled atmosphere for thrift store customers.

“We wanted it to feel like a boutique and have the feel of a physical store,” he said.

The store has a savings program, a ‘Last Chance Lane’ rack with 50% off items and a wide range of items including men’s, women’s and children’s clothing and shoes, plus jewelry, accessories, baby items, toys and books, electronics, homewares and decor.

Lang said Retreads is not only a source of revenue for the ministry, but also a physical location to share information about all that Hope is Alive is doing in Oklahoma and beyond.

In this vein, information about the ministry is displayed on a wall of the store, including photos of Hope is Alive participants whose lives have been changed for the better. Hope is Alive brochures and merchandise are displayed throughout the store, and customers can take free Bibles from a display area near the checkout.

Lang said customer after customer asked store clerks about Hope is Alive, and staff members were able to share the ministry’s story and mission. In this way, he said, Retreads provides hope to the community by telling more and more people about a life-changing ministry.

How to help

Hope is Alive’s Retreads Thrift store at 9470 N May is open from 10am to 7pm Tuesday through Saturday, 1pm to 5pm on Sunday, and is closed on Monday. For more information about the store, visit https://hopeisalive.net/retreadsthrift/ or the Retreads Thrift Facebook page. For more information about Hope is Alive Ministries, visit https://hopeisalive.net/.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Retreads Thrift Store Opens New Store in The Village