By Beth Sluys
Northside News

Boomerangs Resale Store, a nonprofit ministry of Door Creek Church, is located in NorthGate Shopping Center and has been in business since Sept. 9, 2008. Members of Door Creek Church made the decision to establish a resale store on the Northside with the intention of community outreach, serving area residents by offering affordable household goods, supporting local faith-based ministries and area nonprofit organizations and eventually opening a Northside church.

It has been a journey of faith, hope and love. Faith that a largely volunteer-driven store selling affordable goods and offering a place for spiritual uplifting for area residents was possible. Hope that they would eventually be able to offer support, both in-kind and cash, to area organizations and ministries. And love that is apparent when you walk in the door and are greeted by the smiling staff and volunteers.

Not even a massive fire in July 2011, which destroyed the store and all of its contents, could keep the doors closed on this business. With community support and help, the store eventually reopened in the same burned-out space — rebuilt, restored and renewed.

A continued emphasis on community involvement was pursued to network and share resources with area schools, food pantries, nonprofits and ministries.

In 2012 the store received a Northside Planning Council North Star Award. In 2016 Boomerangs expanded its mission and gave away grants to those making a difference in our community. “We keep going forward and continue to commit our proceeds to the Northside,” said Cortney West, co-manager at Boomerangs. “As we grow, we look to find more ways to help in the community.”

The growth does continue and exactly 10 years later — Sept. 9, 2018 — Door Creek Church Pastor David Smith opened the doors of their Northside church, located in NorthGate just a few doors down from its Boomerangs store.

In January 2019, they will launch a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) afterschool program, in collaboration with Blackhawk and Sherman Middle Schools, through a grant from the Berbee Technology Education Foundation. “We are excited about helping children to flourish, and we love being a part of the Northside with its rich history and diversity,” said Pastor Smith.