Miracle Hill thrift stores turn Golden Strip donations into shelter and second chances

For shoppers in Mauldin and Simpsonville, a rack of gently used jeans or a donated dining table represents more than a bargain. It represents a bed, a hot meal or a fresh start for someone in the Upstate.

Two stores serve the Golden Strip

Miracle Hill Ministries operates nine thrift stores across the region, and two of them sit inside the Golden Strip. The Mauldin Thrift Store at 114 W. Butler Road has served the area for years, and the Miracle Hill Upscale Resale Boutique opened at 926 N.E. Main St. in downtown Simpsonville in November 2024 as the ministry’s first boutique-style store in the Upstate. At the time of the opening, a ministry spokesperson said Simpsonville had faithfully supported Miracle Hill and that the community’s growth and contributions made it the strongest opportunity for expanding thrift operations.

A mission that started in 1937

The ministry began as a soup kitchen and small rescue mission in downtown Greenville, and its first thrift store opened in 1957 to raise operating funds. Nearly seven decades later, the stores still serve that purpose. Income generated from donated goods and store sales supports Miracle Hill’s work with children and adults experiencing homelessness, and thrift operations also provide jobs for community members and for graduates of the ministry’s addiction recovery programs.

Where the money goes

Miracle Hill provides shelter to nearly 650 people at any given moment through four rescue missions, two recovery facilities, a child-placing agency and 16 transitional homes. The organization also runs two Christ-centered addiction recovery programs, Renewal for women and Overcomers for men, and recruits Christian foster families. A food warehouse supplies the shelters and doubles as a community food pantry.

On nights when temperatures are expected to drop below 40 degrees, Miracle Hill raises white flags outside its rescue missions to signal that anyone needing a safe place can come inside, even when the shelters reach capacity.

Shopping as a form of giving

Local shoppers help fund all of it without writing a check. Ministry leaders describe every purchase and donation at a Miracle Hill store as a direct contribution toward shelter, food, foster families and recovery services. Donating also keeps usable goods out of area landfills rather than adding to the waste stream.

Hours, discounts and donations

Both Golden Strip locations are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and closed Sunday. Seniors receive 25% off most items, and current military members and veterans receive 15% off with valid identification.

Residents with medium or large items to donate can schedule a free pickup by calling 864-242-6931, though the ministry cannot arrange pickup for small items such as clothing alone. Smaller donations can be dropped off at either store during business hours.

Ways to help

The stores also welcome volunteers, and the ministry lists opportunities through its website for individuals, church groups and families looking to serve locally.

Miracle Hill Ministries is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. More information about store locations, donation guidelines and volunteer openings is available at thrift.miraclehill.org.