Redeeming the Lost and Rejected For Good: Chapter 3

Redeeming the Lost and Rejected For Good: Chapter 3

Chapter 3:

Helping Hands Outlet Store and Mission Center


Since the beginning, the mission and purpose of Unclaimed Baggage has been to redeem the lost, unclaimed, and rejected for good. Through our charitable foundation, Reclaimed For Good, we are able to partner with organizations all around the globe to give lost items new life and, in turn, help change lives for the better. Today we celebrate our partnership with Helping Hands Outlet Store and Mission Center. 

Founded in 2016 and located in the small town of Dutton, AL, Helping Hands Outlet Store and Mission Center is both a second-hand store and resource center offering services of all kinds. The organization is ready to lend a "helping hand" to anyone in need. Since 2019, we've partnered with Helping Hands by donating various medical supplies such as canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs and rollators. In 2021, were able to reclaim over 160 pieces of medical equipment for good to Helping Hands! One of our team members spoke to Helping Hands' founder, Donnie Johnston, about the ministry. Take a look at what he had to say: 

What is Helping Hands? 

Our Mission is to help those who are hurting in the community and to be an encourager. We do a lot in our community including Scottsboro, Jackson County, and Dekalb County. Things like building handicap ramps, remodeling bathrooms, supplying medical equipment. Word has gotten out that we keep a lot of medical equipment and it goes out to a lot of families. All of our medical equipment is donated. We like to say as it's donated to us, it's being donated out. We have two part-time employees. Everyone else is a volunteer. 

How long have you been a part of the ministry? 

I organized it in 2016. We opened our store in 2018. We started our partnership with Unclaimed Baggage in early 2019. It's been a privilege to partner with you. 


What made you want to start Helping Hands? 

It was a calling that the Lord impressed upon me. That's really what it is. I saw so many people who were hurting and so many people who had needs. Where we are located is a very poverty-stricken area and we've been able to help a lot of folks in that area. 

What made you want to start Helping Hands? 

It was a calling that the Lord impressed upon me. That's really what it is. I saw so many people who were hurting and so many people who had needs. Where we are located is a very poverty-stricken area and we've been able to help a lot of folks in that area. 

What are your biggest needs right now? 

Well, as of right now the biggest need we have is space. We really need more space. In 3 years we've already grown from a 1,600 sq ft building to expanding to 4,000 sq ft. We're continuously growing our clientele. The ministry is growing with people that come in needing counseling or any of the other physical things like medical needs or transportation. Sometimes we even give people a ride to wherever they need. For example, one lady calls periodically for us to take her and her dog to the vet. We are on call for whatever need arises. 

How can someone get involved? 

If you would like to volunteer and become a partner with Helping Hands Outlet Store and Mission Center we would love to have you! Our address is 86 Gin Rd, Dutton AL. You can also call us at 256-609-7827. 

"Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." Hebrews 13:16

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