Crossfire Thrift to Open March 21, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Crossfire Thrift to Open March 21, Expanding Community Impact and Volunteer Opportunities
Colorado Springs, CO — Renee Beebe, Executive Director of Crossfire Ministries, announced today the grand opening of Crossfire Thrift, a mission-driven retail store located at 4609 Austin Bluffs Parkway. The store will officially open to the public on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with our new tag line, “Shop With Us. Nourish Lives.”
The new location encompasses approximately 13,500 square feet, representing a significant expansion from previous thrift operations housed at Crossfire’s main campus at 3975 N. Academy Blvd. The increased footprint allows for a thoughtfully designed and highly organized shopping experience featuring curated departments for Women’s, Men’s, and Children’s clothing, as well as housewares, linens, jewelry, toys, tools, shoes, and books.
In addition to expanded retail space, Crossfire Thrift includes a processing and receiving area three times larger than what was previously available at Crossfire Main. The addition of a drive through donation drop-off at the back of the building and enhanced operational capacity allows staff and volunteers to more efficiently manage community donations while demonstrating an even greater level of stewardship and care.
Every donated item is carefully sorted, organized, tagged, and evaluated. When appropriate, items may be repaired before being placed on the sales floor. The expanded processing space ensures items are handled methodically and respectfully from intake to display.
Crossfire Ministries recognizes that each donation represents generosity and trust. The organization is committed to caring for every item as if it were their own — honoring both the donor’s contribution and the families who ultimately benefit from each purchase.
“Crossfire Thrift is a natural extension of our mission,” said Beebe. “While the space has grown, our purpose remains the same: to provide food, clothing, and compassionate care to families in our community. This expansion allows us to steward resources more effectively while continuing to serve with dignity and hope.”
Revenue generated through thrift sales directly funds Crossfire Ministries’ no-cost grocery program and related care services, which assist thousands of individuals and families throughout Colorado Springs each year.
Volunteer Opportunities Available
As the organization prepares for opening day, Crossfire Thrift is actively recruiting volunteers to support processing and receiving operations as well as the retail floor.
Receiving/Processing
Under the leadership of Jennifer Ramsek, Thrift Store Manager: Processing & Receiving, the Volunteer Receiving Team greets donors in the drive-up drop-off lane, unloads donations, and helps keep intake operations running smoothly.
Current volunteer needs include:
Friday and Saturday mornings
Can serve Fridays and/or Saturdays in 4½-hour shifts
Are 18+ and physically able to remain active and lift approximately 20 pounds
Volunteers are encouraged to apply if they enjoy being active and outdoors, like greeting people, can lift and move items during a four-hour shift, and are able to commit on a weekly basis.
“Our volunteers are often the first point of contact for donors,” said Ramsek. “Their hospitality and attentiveness ensure every donation becomes meaningful support for families in need.”
Retail
The retail floor is led by Lori St. Pierre, Thrift Store Manager: Retail, who is building a frontline volunteer team to create a welcoming, mission-centered environment.
Retail volunteers are needed who:
Enjoy engaging guests
Bring warmth to every interaction
Can serve Fridays and/or Saturdays in 4½-hour shifts
Are 18+ and physically able to remain active and lift approximately 10 pounds
“Behind every organized rack is stewardship, and behind every sale is funding for no-cost groceries at Crossfire Ministries,” said St. Pierre. “Our volunteers help create a space that reflects excellence, care, and mission.”
Individuals interested in volunteering are encouraged to contact Crossfire Ministries at 719-447-1806 or visit www.crossfireministries.org for more information.
About Crossfire Ministries
Crossfire Ministries is El Paso County’s largest food pantry and a faith-based nonprofit serving families in the Colorado Springs region through no-cost groceries, clothing, and care. Each week, Crossfire supports approximately 1,500 families facing difficult financial seasons.
In 2025, the organization distributed more than 3.5 million pounds of food, 521,000 hygiene items, and $392,000 in Thrift Store credit to help households meet basic needs. This work is made possible through community generosity and more than 112,000 volunteer hours.
Crossfire is a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) and a GuideStar Platinum Participant.
Contact
Crossfire Main:
3975 N. Academy Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80917 | Phone: 719-447-1806
Crossfire Thrift:
4609 Austin Bluffs Pkwy, Colorado Springs, CO 80918 | Phone: 719-447-4638
Website: www.crossfireministries.org
MEDIA CONTACT: Renee Bebee, Executive Director
Email: contact@crossfireministries.org
“Together, we can keep El Paso County fed. Every act of generosity fills more than shelves—it fills hearts with hope.”
