CULLMAN, Ala. – When Victoria’s Hope Thrift and Treasures was founded in 2018, founder April German was bound and determined to create a silver lining out of the dark cloud of her mother’s passing. What started as a clothing ministry for single mothers – named in honor of her own single mother – grew into a thriving communitywide ministry. Booming business called for a few changes of scenery, with German finally settling on the brick-and-mortar building that Victoria’s Hope now calls home along U.S. Highway 278 West.
German shared that through the years and location changes, she always wanted the grand experience of a ribbon cutting; after nearly five years operating as a charity-based thrift store, owners she and husband Craig German have done just that.
The parking lot of Victoria’s Hope was packed on Tuesday morning, Aug. 29, 2023. Staff and volunteers donning shirts branded “Peace. Love. Thrift.” were quickly putting on the finishing touches, arranging decorated sugar cookies just so and finishing up mowing to accommodate parking for the dozens still pouring in.
Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce President Joey Orr opened the gathering with a note of appreciation for what founders April and Craig German have done to impact the community.
“Craig and April have this wonderful ministry, I mean, that’s really what it is!” exclaimed Orr, gesturing to the large crowd in the small room, saying, “What they’re doing for the community is fabulous; I know they’ve got a lot of partners!”
Holding back tears, April German shared a small testimony about the roots of Victoria’s Hope, and how she couldn’t have possibly dreamed that it would be where it is now.
“When I first started this, all I wanted to do was help some mothers get some clothes, maybe some purses. I’m a teacher, so I thought ‘Oh yeah, I’ll do that during the summer,’” German laughed. “Five years later, this is here!”
German maintained that the secret sauce to Victoria’s Hope’s success isn’t just her, or her husband Craig German, who runs the store. It’s the community as a whole that rallies behind them.
“I still don’t understand how; I really can’t comprehend how. But it’s through the Lord and the community,” she smiled. “We don’t broadcast a lot that we do because it is a ministry. But our community makes sure we’re taken care of.”
Craig German, resident chaos coordinator of the storefront, was overwhelmed with gratitude at the love poured out for them over the years.
“We just appreciate everybody, we appreciate the support,” he nodded. “It’s amazing to see how this has worked out.”
Victoria’s Hope Thrift and Treasures is located at 230 Highway 278 W in Cullman. Hours are Wednesday- Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sundays 1-5 p.m.
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