God's Marketplace expected to open in August
By KRYSTLE KVALHEIM intern reporter

A fresh coat of paint, general cleanup, and some light construction are making the buildings at God's Marketplace ready for its opening in about 30 days. Above, Cheryl Young, touches up the underside of the front awning while (lower right) George Brooks and David Toburen take care of other areas of the building. Also on hand for the morning's work were (top right) Rich Seibert and Lisa Lukie.

Painting and construction for God's Marketplace food pantry is underway with volunteers working from about 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. each day. The food pantry is set to open in 30 days with hopes of serving 70 people in the first month. The thrift store has just begun renovation and is expected to open in late August.

God's Marketplace will be located at the Southern Outdoors property on East Robert Toombs Avenue. The food pantry will be located in the building to the right and the thrift store will be located in the building to the left.

After a failed attempt to rezone the property in May, the Washington City Council voted on the issue the first of June, and the rezoning was passed. The lease for the property is renewable through December 31, 2009, with an option to renew after that period.

"It will be very positive for our community. We are doing what God wants us to do by showing his love in an active way," David Toburen, Chairman of the Board of Directors stated as he spoke about the project.

"Its like an umbrella," Toburen said. "God's Marketplace is the whole thing and under it we have the thrift store, food pantry, eventually the local angel tree, and other projects to help the community."

God's Marketplace will be run on a volunteer basis. Rich Seibert will be the director of the food pantry and Tena Blakey will direct the thrift store. Toburen also mentioned that since the project is run by volunteers, high school students will be able to contribute time to the project and gain community service hours.

To become a volunteer or donate to God's Marketplace, contact the First United Methodist Church at 706-678-7116.

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