Provided by Action in Community Through Service
On October 11, Action in Community Through Service (ACTS) opened the doors of its newly renovated Thrift Store at 3661 Canal Road in 
Dumfries. Loyal customers began lining up before 11:00 Sunday morning for the 1:00 Grand Re-opening celebration. When ACTS’ CEO Steven Liga cut the ribbon, he had to step out of the way of the dozens of customers rushing in to get first choice of the latest bargains.
The Grand Re-opening was an all-hands-on-deck affair made possible by an energized staff and cadre of dedicated volunteers who had been preparing for weeks. Whether it was getting free popcorn from an old-fashioned popcorn cart or taking pictures with the bright green Sweet Frog Frozen Yogurt mascot, even the kids had a great time.
The store boasts a newly paved parking lot, fresh interior and exterior paint job, and improved layout with a dedicated Kids’ Corner, well-stocked jewelry counter, huge shoe section, and a higher-end Boutique corner for premium items. “Six months ago, this place looked worn and bland. Today, it’s been transformed and provides an inviting shopping experience for all of our customers,” said Mr. Liga. Customers readily agreed as evidenced by the excitement in the bright, new store. Staff could barely keep clothes on the racks and items on the shelves, so high was the demand.
Long-time customers appreciated that while a few classes of items saw modest price increases – such as adult jeans up to $4.95 – many 
items actually decreased in price. Assistant Manager Nicole Davis assured customers, “While other thrift stores in the area are run by for-profit companies, ACTS is a non-profit, so we can afford to always have the lowest prices. Besides,” she continued, “all of our income goes toward funding services right here in the community for people who are hungry, homeless, or victims of The ACTS Thrift Store provides items for sale to the public seven days a week and donates over $25,000 of goods to those in need through the ACTS Emergency Assistance Program every year. If you wish to donate your gently used clothes, furniture, or other household goods, please call 703-221-3298 to arrange for a pickup or feel free to drop them off at the store and do some shopping.
