By Cara Beth Lewis
Bladen County Helping Hands is a Non Profit Thrift Store that offers high quality gently used clothing, furniture, home decor, books, toys, and house-wares at low prices. Owner, Tanya Wilson, was inspired by her brother, who also owns a Non Profit Thrift Store in Richmond County and shares his proceeds with Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society. Their goal for BC Helping Hands is to provide a monetary donation to Paul R. Brown Leadership Academy and Bladen We Care in the future.
Tanya Wilson is the owner of Bladen County Helping Hands. Tanya has been a resident of Bladen County for the past 26 years, currently residing in Elizabethtown. She has spent the last 28 years working in Law Enforcement, and started the process of opening her own business in July of 2020, alongside her daughter in law, Alexis Wilson. With continuing support from her entire family, Bladen County Helping Hands opened in September of 2020, according to Tanya.
The owner shared, “After seeing my brother’s success and the good he has done for his community, I felt as if I could do the same for the citizens of Bladen County.” Bladen County Helping Hands chose to share their proceeds with the residents of Bladen County by donating clothing to patients at Bladen County Hospital, as well as medical supplies to patients who may not be able to afford them. Bladen County Helping Hands also assists foster parents with clothing for children in their care. Bladen County Helping Hands has also provided clothing to families who have lost their belongings to natural disasters. The small business has also donated school uniforms to local schools for students in need.
Anyone in need of assistance, who has a Department of Social Services case worker, can have their case worker contact Tanya Wilson or Alexis Wilson at (910) 874-0072, and they will provide items that the case worker deems necessary for that individual.
Anyone is welcome to donate to Bladen County Helping Hands! By doing so, you are helping someone else and supporting a small business. The owner explained, “All items sold by Bladen County Helping Hands, with the exception of our flag assortment, are donated. We accept donations anytime we are open. Bladen County Helping Hands has very few limitations to the items we accept.”
September will be two years since Bladen County Helping Hands has been in business, and Tanya and Alexis have seen first-hand the needs of the citizens in Bladen County. They shared, “The Employees of Bladen County Helping Hands have met some of the kindest and most personable people the area has to offer.” Bladen County Helping Hands attributes their success to their beloved customers and hard working volunteers.
Hours of Operation:
Monday and Tuesday: 10 am – 4 pm
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 10 am – 6 pm
Saturday: 9 am – 3 pm
Location:
207 South Poplar Street, Elizabethtown.
“We have an obligation to give something back to the community that gives so much to us.” – Ray Kroc
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