"Buy the Bag" Thrift Store Program
About
This is not an ordinary thrift store. This thrift stores purpose is to provide job skill education and community service to those who cannot maintain employment in the regular workforce. This could be due to physical or mental disability, age, or lack of education. This program working in conjunction with the East TN Human Resource Agency is a host program to provide training.
In addition to the community service this store provides a means to those who may not even be able to afford clothing at retail store prices. The name buy the pound comes from the fact that in the last five years the thrift store has recycled over 100,000 pounds of clothing. This both reduces landfill waste and helps support the ministry. Offering a large selection of gently used clothing at $2 / bag, Some luxury items are priced.
What if someone is in need?
There shouldn't be a child without a coat or an adult without work clothes. At Empower if someone comes in and is in need of an item of clothing and it's their first time no paperwork is required. They simple have to see the front desk and sign the item out. After the third time in a month of needing assistance we do ask individuals to sign up for a financial or insights class. The goal is always to fix life controlling problems rather than just meet needs. 
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Schedule
Monday - Friday 9 AM- 3PM
​Saturday 9 AM -2PM
Closed Sundays 
Following city school schedule for weather closings and Federal holiday schedule. 
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Making Donations
Donations can be made during open hours. Upon entering there is a large utility cart labeled incoming donations. Donors of goods can simply put their donated items in the cart. Carts are available for assistance unloading upon request. If you will need assistance unloading large truck loads please call to schedule a time due to limited volunteers able to lift over 10 pounds. 

We do accept:
home goods
dishes
gently used, clean clothing such as (coats, shorts, dresses, dress shirts, jeans, shirts, scrubs etc.)
Jewelry 
gently used shoes, cleats
Christmas trees, and decor

What we are unable to use of these good condition items we try to distribute to other local ministries. To avoid adding more to our landfills please see the below list of items we cannot take. Please feel free to call our number
(423) 532-1308 if there is an item in question .
Occasionally we can arrange for pick up of large donations if we have enough volunteers. Call and we will do our best to help. We appreciate your donations. 

We want to offer the best used items to our community therefore
we do not accept :
Soiled, stained clothing
Soiled or broken furniture
Soiled or broken toys/stuffed animals 
Broken dishes
Damaged books

We do not keep donations left outside the building during closed hours due to sanitary reasons. Please do not leave donations at the front door. 

Boxed TV's, Boxed Computer screens, or Tires (we are charged to disposed of these).

​We do not accept donations from anyone who has had any type of pest issue in the last year.