AbleLight Celebrates Grand Opening of New Thrift Shop Where Every Purchase Supports a Purpose

AbleLight, a national leader in delivering life-changing services that empower people with developmental disabilities to flourish in life and in their communities, today celebrated the grand opening of its first St. Louis-area thrift shop in St. Peters. Doors opened at 9:00 a.m., with local officials, company representatives, and special guest Fredbird, the beloved mascot of the St. Louis Cardinals, on hand to cut the ribbon and officially welcome the community to the region’s newest destination for great finds and meaningful impact.

The 8,000-square-foot store is located in Mexico Road Plaza at 4122 Mexico Rd. in St. Peters. The location creates inclusive jobs while also supporting local services for people with developmental disabilities.

“Today is a great day for St. Peters and for the people we support,” said Scott Wurzbacher, AbleLight’s Regional Vice President of Operations. “Opening our doors here means new jobs, new opportunities, and a new place for this community to shop with purpose. Every dollar spent in an AbleLight Thrift Shop goes directly back into life-changing services, from housing and job coaching to personalized, day-to-day supports that help people with developmental disabilities right here in St. Louis live with independence, dignity, and belonging.”

The new store offers affordable secondhand clothing, household items, and more. AbleLight now operates 13 thrift shops across seven states, with people with developmental disabilities filling more than 50% of hourly roles across all locations. At the new St. Peters store, that number climbs to more than 60%, a reflection of AbleLight’s commitment to creating meaningful, inclusive employment in every community it serves.

“AbleLight Thrift Shops typically become true assets to the communities in which they exist,” said Wurzbacher. “In fact, several AbleLight Thrift Shop locations routinely top the ‘Best Of’ lists for local retailers. The awards we’ve received celebrate more than great thrift finds; they recognize the heart behind our mission. We look forward to celebrating that mission with the St. Peters community for years to come.”

The AbleLight Thrift Shop in St. Peters is now open and accepting donations and volunteers. For store hours, updates, and information on donation and drop-off opportunities, visit AbleLight’s St. Peters Thrift Shop website.

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About AbleLight Thrift Shops

AbleLight Thrift Shops create inclusive jobs and provide training for people with developmental disabilities while offering quality secondhand goods to local communities. AbleLight currently operates 13 locations across seven states. One hundred percent of profits support AbleLight programs that help people with developmental disabilities flourish through safe housing, employment support, health and wellness services, and community inclusion. To learn more, visit ablelight.org/thrift-stores.

About AbleLight

Founded in 1904, AbleLight is a national leader in delivering life-changing services that empower people with developmental disabilities to flourish in life and in their communities. The nonprofit organization fosters independence and inclusion across the U.S. through comprehensive, individualized support services. Guided by Christian love, AbleLight's programs ensure safe housing, reduce isolation, support employment goals, and promote health and wellness through a person-centered approach. To learn more, visit ablelight.org or follow on Instagram @ablelightusa and Facebook @AbleLight.