Local thrift store getting back on their feet after fire

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - One local thrift store is turning a tragedy into a way to help those in need after part of their inventory caught on fire a couple of months ago, and the store is sharing how they are getting back on their feet.

A fire devastated the back part of a thrift store, with Hand Extended causing them to lose their outside inventory and their inside inventory had smoke damage, leaving them to start from scratch.

Sherry Whitworth, the owner of Hands Extended, shared where the fire, which happened in June, took place.

"We got one that is about to be ready to be used again, but they're getting renovated," Whitworth said.

Instead of throwing it all away, they are finding ways to extend a hand to those in need.

"We're helping Random Acts of Kindness, we're helping Right Turn for Veterans, we're helping three of the churches here in town that give away clothes to the public...We are actually sending some things to Holtville, California. There's a ministry over there," Whitworth added.

Currently, over 60 volunteers are organizing and clearing out the store. One volunteer, Karen Lebarron, says she loves to be able to help out at a store she once used to shop at.

"I do a lot of work at home also, just kind of, you know...I get overwhelmed, and bring a lot of stuff home," Lebarron expressed.

Another volunteer, Cindy Duncan, says now they can give the store a new and fresh look adding, "I guess we're going to be able to do it now. We are revamping a lot of the stuff changing it out, so this is a way to make it better."

Each year, the store gives out a couple of $200 gift cards to local people in need, and Duncan shares one moment she will never forget.

"A little boy was [in the store] shopping with his mother and was crying when he left, and we asked him if he was okay and he said, 'Yeah, I got to buy a toy.' So you know it's things like that...That really get at your heart," Duncan shared.

The owner also shared they will have the building cleaned out starting next month, and are aiming to have the store open on November 1.