MOUNT VERNON — Millie’s House Thrift Store is getting a new home, and more room to help its neighbors.
The non-profit organization will reopen in its new Mount Vernon location Nov. 9. The store has moved from Danville into the former Troyer’s Event Center at 20354 Coshocton Road.
Since opening its doors in Danville in June 2025, the store has grown in both size and ambition. The larger location will allow the organization to expand its clothing and household assistance programs.
Bob Moorhead, who operates Millie’s House Ministries with his wife, Susan, said the move was driven partly by a need for more space and better accessibility.
“People would contact us about getting clothes for their kids or whatever, but they wouldn’t have a ride to Danville,” Moorhead said. “It was just too far for them. That’s another reason we wanted to get closer.”
Finding an affordable location also presented a challenge — which is how the Troyer’s building became an opportunity.
“When my wife and I would drive past that building, I always said to her, before it went up for lease, I said that would be my dream location,” Moorhead said.
He said the building is a recognizable Knox County landmark in a convenient location. Although the original rental cost seemed out of reach, the two parties eventually reached an arrangement.
More than a thrift store
Millie’s House provides free and reduced cost clothing and household goods to individuals and families. Its assistance also extends to people experiencing sudden hardships.
Moorehead spoke about helping a family who lost everything in a house fire. The organization allowed them to shop for whatever they needed.
It has also assisted women escaping abusive relationships. Some arrived in Knox County with their children and little more than what they could carry.
The organization aims to make receiving assistance as comfortable as possible.
Customers who need financial help, and may be hesitant to or embarassed, can approach the cash register and ask whether coupons are available.
Moorhead then provides a form with three options: pay half the price, pay whatever they can or recieve the items for free.
“It’s their choice and they get to pick,” Moorhead said. “We want to help people, but we also want them to maintain their dignity.”
The expanded location will give Millie’s House room to introduce additional programs including “Merry Thriftness.”
This initiative would offer affordable gifts for families who struggle to afford Christmas presents. Moorehead said the organization it still working through the details.
A place for everyone
Moorehead said Millie’s House aims to distinguish itself through affordable prices and personal connections with customers.
The new location will even offer free bottled water to visitors.
“We try to keep prices very reasonable,” Moorhead said. “That’s a complaint that I hear about some of the thrift stores, is that they’re very expensive.”
Once a month the store will offer a half-off sale. The next dates are Nov. 28 and Dec. 19. There are also different specials throughout each week.
The store’s name carries a personal connection, too.
Millie’s House is named after Moorhead’s mother-in-law, Millie Thompson, who he described as one of the kindest people he knows.
Moorehead said Thompson will attend the store’s grand opening.
“Everybody that comes in the store, I greet,” Moorhead said. “I talk to everybody that comes in … We are very welcoming.”
