A Lifelong Commitment to Community
Charlie Hintz, the manager of Ray of Hope Thrift Store in Woodburn, Oregon, has deep roots in the area. A resident of Oregon for half his life, Charlie and his family have been a part of Woodburn since 1994. They currently live in Aurora, in a home originally owned by Charlie’s wife Alesa’s grandparents. This long-standing connection to the community profoundly influences Charlie’s approach to his work.
What he loves most about the neighborhood is its rich diversity and the strong sense of family values that permeates the community. “It’s a place where culture and heritage are celebrated, and family is at the core of everything,” Charlie says.
A Growing Family and a Thriving Business
Charlie’s family is a vibrant part of his life. He and Alesa have one son, four daughters, four sons-in-law, and an ever-growing number of grandchildren—seven grandsons and three granddaughters, with two more grandchildren on the way. “One of our daughters lives here in Woodburn with her husband and six kids,” he shares. They also have a beloved Bichon Frise named Peter Pan, and a circle of local friends who feel like family.
In November 2019, the board of the non-profit “A Ray Of Hope, Today!” (AROHT) took a leap of faith by opening the Ray of Hope Community Thrift Store. In June 2020, Charlie stepped off the board of AROHT in order to take over management of the thrift store. The vision was to convert donations of clothing, furniture, and household items into funds that could directly benefit the North Marion County community. The name “A Ray of Hope, Today!” reflects this mission, embodying the store’s goal to provide support and unite people through community-focused efforts.
A Pillar of Support in Woodburn
Ray of Hope Community Thrift Store is more than just a place to shop; it’s a cornerstone of community support. The store operates as a project of the non-profit, offering household goods, furniture, and clothing at affordable prices. Any profits are reinvested into local initiatives, and directly support underserved and marginalized community members.
Charlie emphasizes, “Our mission is to provide for our community by making sure we have over a thousand items on the floor daily.” The store works closely with local agencies and school districts, including Woodburn, North Marion, and Gervais, to address immediate needs and offer support where it’s most needed.
The Impact of Community Partnerships
Ray of Hope’s impact extends through its partnerships with various local organizations. The store collaborates with groups like Family Building Blocks, the Fostering Hope Initiative, Oregon Child Development Coalition and the Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency, among others. These partnerships help Ray of Hope address diverse needs within the community, from supporting local schools to aiding homeless shelters.
“We strive to help others help others,” Charlie explains. This philosophy drives the store’s operations and ensures that every donation and sale contributes to a larger goal of community support and solidarity.
A Unique Shopping Experience
What sets Ray of Hope apart from other thrift stores is not just its commitment to low prices but also its dedication to giving back to the community. “Customers appreciate our friendly atmosphere, clean store, and great prices,” Charlie says. Positive word-of-mouth, along with strategic use of coupons and a dynamic website, has helped attract and retain customers.
Charlie believes that the store’s community spirit is a major draw. “People regularly tell us they love what we’re doing for the community,” he says. This feedback underscores the store’s role as a beloved local resource and a beacon of hope for many.
Quality and Community in Every Transaction
When hiring new employees, Charlie looks for qualities that align with Ray of Hope’s mission. “We seek hard workers who are friendly and want to be part of a family,” he notes. This focus on teamwork and community support is integral to the store’s operation and success.
Looking Ahead
For those interested in learning more about Ray of Hope Community Thrift Store, the best place to start is their website. Additionally, the store maintains an active presence on Facebook and Instagram, where they share updates, events, and stories from the community.
As Ray of Hope continues to grow and evolve, Charlie remains committed to its core mission of community service. His leadership and vision have transformed the thrift store into a vital community asset, embodying the spirit of generosity and support that defines Woodburn.
Ray of Hope Community Thrift Store continues to have a significant impact in Woodburn and North Marion County. Through their dedication to affordable goods, community partnerships, and local support, they are truly living up to their name as “A Ray of Hope, Today!” in the region.
Featured Place
Ray of Hope Community Thrift Store
335 N Pacific Hwy
Woodburn, Oregon 97071
(503) 773-5250
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Jun. 12th, 2021