Distance made the heart grow fonder for residents of Troy, Idaho, after 10 long months of separation from a trusted community member — the local Adventist Community Services thrift store and food bank.
Troy Thrift Store and Troy Community Food Bank reopened on Jan. 20, 2025, after 10 months of renovations. More than 80 people attended the ACS store’s reopening. June Miner, ACS Troy and Deary director, spoke about the history of the building and recognized those who contributed to the renovation project.
“This building has a long history of serving its community, stretching back to when it was first built in 1897 as a church in Nora Creek, Idaho,” said Miner. “Since its construction, it has moved to Troy and taken on new functions as a meeting place, food bank and thrift store.”
Troy Thrift Store aims to provide essentials such as clothing and household items at low prices that all people can afford, especially those with low incomes. All are welcome in the thrift store, regardless of social or economic status.
Over time, it became increasingly apparent that Troy Thrift Store needed renovation. Single-paned windows gave poor insulation, rickety stairs to the basement were dubious and old siding with lead paint posed a potential health hazard.
“The old building started to lean toward one side and overall had become more and more unsafe,” said Miner. “It was time to do something, so in 2022 we began to raise money for remodeling.”
The main floor and basement were completely remodeled. The old floors, windows and siding were taken down and replaced, the store was completely rewired and an old stage from the building’s original function as a church was removed. These changes left a clean slate for the architect and contractor to improve the functional capacity of the building.
Space was made for a donation bin, a donation sorting area with a washer and dryer, a shipping room and a dedicated cashier area. A brand-new heating and air conditioning system was installed, and the building was made more accessible with a ramp and a stair climbing chair.
ACS has two community non-profit thrift stores located in Troy and Deary, Idaho, as well as a 5,000-square-foot warehouse that sells secondhand furniture and other larger items. ACS also operates two community food banks alongside the thrift stores, which receive roughly 18,000 pounds of food and service more than 1,000 people each month.
ACS Troy and Deary have established themselves as trusted members of their local community through more than 35 years of service. Daily operations rely on the support of approximately 65 regular community volunteers.
“When we began to fundraise for the renovation, there was overwhelming support from the community,” said Miner. “We raised $285,000 thanks to generous donations and grants we received in large part due to the active involvement of Kandy Nelson, our accountant.”
Renovations were completed debt-free, with enough funds remaining to put a new roof on the building in 2026.
Troy Thrift Store closes for remodeling.
Credit: Provided by June Miner
New windows and siding refresh Troy Thrift Store.
Credit: Provided by June Miner
Old floors, windows and siding are replaced in addition to other renovations.
Credit: Provided by June Miner
Troy Thrift Store reopens with better insulation and improved accessibility.
Credit: Provided by June Miner
