Janice Caylor, Crossview Community Church, 510 North Piedmont Avenue, Rockmart, is on a mission to provide warm clothing to people in need.

The idea was sparked when Caylor visited the church’s sorting room, a space provided for donated clothing.

“I felt my heart warm at the sight of such opportunity,” she said. “I knew it would be a good way to minister to the community. No one at our church or in Rockmart should be without warm clothes.”

She then presented her idea to Pastor Danny Echols and administrative assistant Ashley Bratcher.

Caylor’s mission has now come to fruition in the form of a clothing store. The “$2 Shop”, as it’s called, offers a place for those in need to acquire gently used clothes for a small fee.

Melinda Graves and daughters Shelby and Zoe also volunteered to help.

The shop is now open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and on Sunday afternoon.

“All proceeds from our fees go back into our mission work,” Caylor said. “Items are free to those who have no funds.”

Graves believes this prevents “toxic charity” since it protects people from the stigma of being identified as “poor”.

“If a family comes here for help, we provide a way to give assistance without calling attention to their presence,” she said. “I have needed help and did not have funds to give. Volunteering gives me opportunity to pay it forward by giving of my time.”

Her wish is that other people will not stay home and feel hopeless but to reach out to others.

“It does not take money to give hope,” she said.

Shelby and Zoe agree with their mother. Both believe giving is a great way to feel good.

“Putting a smile on the face of every individual that seeks our help is rewarding to me,” Shelby said.

"I like to help other people," Zoe said. "They seem to appreciate what we do.

Her mother Melinda said it also teaches her daughters how to accept responsibility and a good work ethic.

For more information about the $2 Shop, call Caylor at 770-378-1865.