The grand opening of Renewed Blessings, 1092 W. Third St., is planned for 11 a.m. today. Two ministers will dedicate and bless the project.

Renewed Blessings is a nonprofit started by Rogers City resident Dianne Darga with the help of her sister, Leeny Ries. The nonprofit will sell an assortment of gently used furniture and household wares.

Clothes won’t be sold there, with the exception of women’s formal wear, which Darga said is needed in the city.

Darga said church attendance is down, meaning financial assistance for churches has also decreased.

News Photo by Crystal Nelson Renewed Blessings, a new used furniture store at 1092 W. Third St. in Rogers City, is set to open today.

Proceeds from the store could reach 15 churches with a Rogers City address. The Renewed Blessings Board of Directors will award funding to churches as grants.

“I just wanted to do something for the Christian community,” she said. “A pastor at one time, he made the comment, ‘Find something that you do well and do it for God.'”

Darga said she and her sister have for years been known for their garage sales. She said their garage sales stood out because they set it up like a store and every item was clean, fresh, and organized.

Darga said she ran the idea of an actual store by her minister and her husband and they started working on it. She said they approached Larry Bruski, of Rogers City Home Furnishings, who owns the building, and he was intrigued.

The two sisters were able to bring in the donations needed to make the project a reality.

Ries said they have been blessed with donations and a lot of what she calls “God winks,” when a needed item is suddenly provided. Volunteered electrical work or plumbing, a donated safe, a laundry tub and a washing machine exactly as they were needed all were God winks.

“We are being led step by step by God, honestly,” Darga said.

The resale store will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays in the summer. Customers should expect to pay with cash and have a way to transport the items from the store.

On Mondays, the back door will be open for people to drop items off.

Darga said people wanting to donate large items should call ahead and can reach her by calling 989-474-9170.

Crystal Nelson can be reached at 989-358-5687 or cnelson@thealpenanews.com.