Beverly Barnes of McDonough said she enjoyed the connections she made through her work at a local thrift store, and the impact it has had on people’s lives.

  “It was a much-needed store in the community,” said Barnes. “There’s a lot of people who depended on that store for the good prices, for the quality we had and the assistance that we gave. I had no prior business experience. I just went to the thrift store and did what needed to be done, and it became successful.”

  Barnes retired July 31 as the manager of the Blessings Thrift Store, at 86 Work Camp Road in McDonough.

  Barnes began working at Haven House as a receptionist on April 2, 2002,  and later took over as the manager of Blessings.  She oversaw the store for 10 years, and said the experience was close to her heart.

  “My heart was in the thrift store,” said Barnes. “It’s just a passion of mine to help people and to be there for people in need.”

  All proceeds from Blessings go to the Haven House domestic-violence shelter. Barnes said the thrift store has grown considerably over the years, to meet the needs of the local residents. She said she is proud of what she accomplished at Blessings and the impact the store has had on people’s lives.

  “We have more donations, more shoppers, and more people in the community who needed help, which, in turn, benefited Haven House,” she said. “I was able to help people in the community who needed help, and make the thrift store a place where its prices were reasonable and people loved to shop,” she said. “It was like a meeting place for people in the community. It was a kind of like a big family.

  “A lot of the people that I met at the Haven House, they still would visit me at the thrift store and remember being helped at the Haven House,” she continued. “They were excited to show their changes and share their gratitude for the help that they received.”

  Cathy Adams was a customer at Blessings for five years before moving to Newnan, and was there when customers brought Barnes flowers for her last day on the job. Adams said Barnes is an “unsung hero” who has helped to support women and children cope with homelessness and struggling for food.

  “She provides blankets and food to the Humane Society, often at her own expense,” said Adams. “She is an asset to the citizens of the county and deserves positive recognition for her hard work helping everyone from jail trustees to people suffering through hardships with empathy, hard work and support.

  “The store was of great pride to her,” continued Adams. “She dedicated many hours outside her work day to organize the store. I watched her sort through donations, not knowing what she would encounter. Her work and dedication is tireless, and many of us believe she is irreplaceable.”

  Barnes has been married to her husband, Mark, for 33 years. They have two children, Amanda and Shane. She is hopeful that the thrift store will continue to improve people’s lives in the years to come.

  As for herself, Barnes said she plans to “rest a little bit” as she begins her retirement. However, she said she doesn’t want to slow down completely.

  “I have something in the works with my daughter,” said Barnes. “I’m not going to just sit around. That’s not part of my nature.”