Community of Christ Thrift Store and Food Pantry

Community of Christ Thrift Store and Food Pantry is a nonprofit thrift store in Council Bluffs, Iowa, serving individuals and families in need by providing food, clothing, and household items. Located at 17 N 2nd St, the store operates Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering essential resources to over 1,500 community members annually. The organization is part of Community of Christ Caring Ministries, a not-for-profit agency managed by a fifteen-member Board of Directors and sustained by the Prairie Bluffs Mission Center Conference. With a 4.60 rating based on customer reviews, the store is recognized for its consistent support and compassionate service.

The Thrift Store and Food Pantry functions as a vital community resource, operating under a mission to meet the immediate needs of individuals and families facing hardship due to job loss, illness, or other life challenges. The organization relies on donations and community support to maintain its operations, distributing goods freely to those in need. Staff members such as Shari Poffenbarger, Barb Barrett, and Andrew Rischel work alongside volunteers to ensure that services are delivered efficiently and with dignity. The store is supported by a board of directors and operates with transparency, guided by the values of service, compassion, and justice.

The store sits on N 2nd Street, just a short distance from key local landmarks. It is located about 0.1 miles from West Broadway, West Pierce Street, and West Kanesville Boulevard, all of which are major roads in the area. It is also within 0.1 miles of IowaWorks, a government office providing employment and workforce services, and Indian Creek, a nearby river. Saint Peters School lies approximately 0.2 miles away, making the location accessible to families and residents throughout the central part of Council Bluffs.

As a long-standing provider of critical support in Pottawattamie County, the Community of Christ Thrift Store and Food Pantry is known for its reliability, community engagement, and deep commitment to helping neighbors in need. It stands as a trusted, locally rooted institution that continues to serve the growing needs of the Council Bluffs community with compassion and integrity.