New thrift store to open in Vestavia

A new thrift store with a mission will soon be opening in the Vestavia Hills community. 

Vapor Ministries is planning on opening a new donation center off of U.S. 31 in the old Ethan Allen building. This thrift store will make the second Vapor Ministries donation center in the Birmingham area, with the other located on U.S. 280. 

The tentative time frame for the opening is mid to late September, with a soft opening scheduled for Aug. 31. 

Vapor Ministries created when founder Micah McElveen suffered a near-fatal surfing accident that nearly left him paralyzed. As he went through intensive physical therapy, he reflected on his life and the impact that individuals can have on the world.

“We’re not guaranteed a long life,” McElveen said. “The truth is, our time on earth is like a vapor. When you realize that, you are afforded an opportunity to live it differently.”

The profit acquired through these donation centers helps Vapor Ministries provide resources that help further their mission worldwide. They operate five community centers in three countries that provide “disciple-making programs” to approximately 5,400 children, youth and adults. 

They also help to meet the medical needs of each community they serve and provide medical assistance, preventative disease training and nutrition education to children and families, according to Josh Firth, the vice president of profit centers for Vapor Ministries. 

Vapor also provides free clean water and employment opportunities for over 450 individuals around the globe, Firth said.

The current thrift stores and other donation centers provide approximately 25 percent of the operating expenses of the ministry, according to Firth.

“Vapor exists to meet needs and feed souls. ... Our vision is to glorify Christ by advancing the Gospel and serving the poor in third-world environments,” Firth said. 

When it came to choosing a new donation center location, Vapor had a set of criteria for what they thought would make a comparable alternative to the Greystone location, Firth said, and U.S. 31 in Vestavia fit the bill.

Firth believes the opening of this thrift store will impact the Vestavia community in multiple ways. Besides bringing new life and business into a previously vacant building, he believes the new store will help provide new and different employment opportunities and add tax revenue to the city.

Vapor also aims to work with churches, businesses and local individuals to serve the Vestavia community.

“Vestavia folks are hardworking, know the value of a dollar, but also want what’s best for them, their kids and others,” Firth said. “Ultimately, we want to partner with the community to make those things happen for both the community of Vestavia and for Vapor.” 

As Vapor continues to grow worldwide, Firth believes this new thrift store is just the first step in helping to expand Vapor’s ministry. 

“We’re in it for the long-haul and we want to invest heavily and deeply beyond just making sales,” said Firth.