Heroes Among Us Series

The “Heroes Among Us” story series will be released twice monthly, featuring local heroes and organizations that exemplify the Totally Texas, All American spirit that is the fabric of the Gainesville Community. Stories are contributed by the City of Gainesville, Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce, Gainesville Economic Development Corporation, Gainesville Independent School District, and North Central Texas College. Keep an eye out for the stories and see who we celebrate next!

Release is coordinated by the City of Gainesville. 

Heroes Among Us

 STAR crew


Second Time Around

Today’s Heroes Among Us are the volunteer partners at Second Time Around Resale, a mission of First United Methodist Church.  It started in 1976 when Eula West and friends at First United Methodist Church began a journey based on compassion and love for the under privileged.  They started a mission out of a little rent house and began collecting women’s clothing to sell very inexpensively to the community.

The mission grew throughout the years and today resides at 105 S Denton St.  The building had housed Lone Star Gas and it was part garage, part office and all without air conditioning.  It did have a huge fan and a washer and dryer.  Soon the new space enabled them to expand their items to include men’s clothing, children’s clothing, shoes, toys, furniture, books, jewelry, household goods, art and electronics.  And so, they continued their mission work while praying for a way to make building improvements. One day their prayers were answered when a diamond ring was discovered in the pocket of donated clothing.  They searched and searched for the owner who never appeared.  It was a gift that helped them get their building in better condition – volunteer partners worked on installing air conditioning, a level floor in the garage, a new water heater and some paint. 

STAR is a site of ministry.  Many donations come when there is a death; a loving husband who honors his wife with her clothing perfectly folded or others who can hardly speak as they release belongings of someone beloved.  Many recipients come when there seems nowhere else to turn; a mother and children from Abigail Arm’s trying to restart, a family desperate to find new items after a fire or a man who made some bad choices beginning again as he nears release.  Foster families are supported with donations like strollers, diapers and clothing for children who are quickly placed in their care.  Donations make it possible to minister to those in need.  Partners offer prayers for both those who give and those who receive. 

The proceeds from STAR sales are given generously to other local organizations with a common mission.  There is a collaborative effort between the STAR volunteers and board to decide who receives funds, often using a “Mission Speed Dating” process to meet and learn more about local groups.  These relationships not only result in funding, but also a common community who work to help those in need.    STAR is the largest cash donor to V.I.S.T.O., an organization that feeds the hungry and so much more.   Some of the past recipients include Meals on Wheels, D.A.S.H., Abigail Arm’s and the Boys and Girls Club.  

The volunteer partners each have different talents; some are strong and help carry items, some are organizers, some can create displays, some are natural at sales and many make food for the communal table at lunch.  What they have in common is a joyful heart that rejoices in helping those in need. 

And so, what we think is true is true.  It is in the giving that we receive and our hearts are filled.  The partners at Second Time Around Resale give so much to our community and we recognize them as Heroes Among Us as they make Gainesville and Cooke County a welcoming community for all.

Story contributed by Debbie Faulkner. Debbie is an Economic Development Specialist for the Gainesville Economic Development Corporation. She is a retired senior executive with ClubCorp after serving 35 years in sales and marketing. 


Past Installments

Bellows Story - Contributed by NCTC

Community Park Builds - Contributed by City of Gainesville

GEAR Program - Contributed by City of Gainesville

GHS Fishing - Contributed by GISD

Herkey Biffle Tribute - Contributed by City of Gainesville and Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce

Otts Family and Summer Sounds - Contributed by City of Gainesville

Student Life - Contributed by NCTC

Volleyball Gives to VISTO - Contributed by NCTC

Gainesville Teachers of the Year - Contributed by GISD

Firefighters As Role Models Program - Contributed by City of Gainesville

Gigabit City (Nortex Communitcations) - Contributed by City of Gainesville

Cliff Yow - Contributed by City of Gainesville

Margaret Parx Hays - Contributed by City of Gainesville

NCTC Cosmetology Program - Contributed by NCTC

Tommy Moore - Contributed by City of Gainesville

Downtown Shops - Contributed by Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce

NCTC Horticulture - Contributed by NCTC

NCTC Kenny Smith - Contributed by NCTC

Gainesville ISD Education Foundation - Contributed by GISD

Frank Buck - Contributed by City of Gainesville

Dr. Shelly Gomulak - Contributed by Noah's Ark Animal Shelter Board and Staff

Lane Holcomb - Contributed by Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce

Keisha Farr - Contributed by North Central Texas College

First State Bank - Contributed by Gainesville Economic Development Corporation

Pete Shauf - Contributed by Gainesville Economic Development Corporation

Mary McCain - Contributed by Gainesville Economic Development Corporation

Liberty Crossing - Contributed by Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce

Emma Earhart - Contributed by North Central Texas College

Camp Sweeney - Contributed by the City of Gainesville

Gainesville ISD Teachers of the Year - Contributed by Gainesville ISD

Cooke County Boys and Girls Club - Contributed by GISD

Karon Sullivant - Contributed by Gainesville Economic Development Corporation

Johnny Leftwich - Contributed by Gainesville Economic Development Corporation

Employee of the Year Alex Holland - Contributed by NCTC

Hometown Radio KGAF - Contributed by Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce