The Holidays at New Life Thrift

Dance, Sing, Shop! 

By Janette Calabro

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It’s really quite simple: Steve Sheridan loves to help others. His generous attitude shines through whether he’s helping customers at New Life Thrift or supporting other faith-based organizations. Though he is indeed the owner of New Life Thrift in Bellevue, Steve prefers to think of himself as Store Director. Purchases at New Life Thrift support The Hope Center for Kids, whose mission is to inspire hope in the lives of youth and children through education, employment, collaboration, and faith. Steve’s involvement in his community doesn’t stop there! He is also the pastor of a ministry called Empty Tomb, a non-profit dedicated to providing essentials like food, clothing, and outreach programs. 

When life challenges changed his life 40 years ago, Steve decided to turn over a new leaf. After some time in the hotel business and in car sales, he found that his true calling was a place of ministry—somewhere he could help those in need. He and a few friends started Empty Tomb, and they’ve watched it grow for 28 years. 

“If I hadn’t changed the way I was living, I probably would have been coming to Empty Tomb for groceries myself,” Steve says of his previous life. “Empty Tomb started working with people in South Omaha with lessons from the Bible. We gave groceries, we gave clothes. There was so much need on the street that we were giving out 100 bags of groceries a week. We still give out groceries, but people are coming now because they got off drugs and alcohol. There’s a meal served every Sunday after service. Our goal is to show people there’s another way.” 

Steve loves spending time among his customers at New Life Thrift, and every item donated helps support the Hope Center for Kids. Donations for the thrift store are picked up Monday through Friday, and every donor gets a receipt. That’s right—they’ll pick up your donations! By giving back to the community and offering an unrivaled selection at huge discounts, New Life Thrift helps everyone. 

“It’s a busy store,” Steve notes. “Clothes and shoes are our biggest sellers, but we get everything! We get TVs, computers, antiques, furniture, and appliances. We have antique collectibles galore. You never know what you’re going to find here.” 

Thrift stores are trending, and Steve loves seeing his clientele enjoy their shopping experience. He praises the younger set for thrifting instead of always paying more for something brand new. “People need help right now,” Steve says. “A lot of young families come here. We have a bin of baby clothes that might be 65 cents each and have only been worn a couple of times.”

New Life Thrift is also a great place to shop for seasonal items. In mid-September, Steve opens the seasonal store through about mid December with all holiday-themed merchandise. “Every time I open the store in the middle of September, a hundred people are waiting outside. People go crazy for it! Last year, I had footprints all over me,” he jokes, loving every minute.

In the middle of the store, there’s a pink room called The NLTique. This is where you can find higher-end brand names, but prices remain low. Wednesdays include a military discount and 10 percent off for students.

For shopping pleasure, music is always playing—everything from Christmas tunes to Pink Floyd. “People love our music,” Steve says. “We’re playing hits from the ’60s and beyond. After Thanksgiving, I start mixing in Christmas music.” He puts up holiday lights, too!

Sometimes, people pop in for a chat or a prayer, and Steve always delivers. He simply wants to give, help, and pray—to provide what people need, when they need it. Instead of the typical Black Friday sale, New Life Thrift offers Blessed Friday, stashing items for the big sale like clothes, shoes, dishes, small appliances, and some items that are brand new. 

“New Life Thrift is a cool place,” Steve says with a smile. “It’s a fun place to be. I catch people dancing and singing. When I see young people dancing to The Beatles, I just love it.” Steve appreciates seeing his repeat customers and is always happy to welcome new faces to the store. “If we do a good job, keep the prices down, and keep putting new products out all the time, then you might see something you can’t live without!”

You can visit New Life Thrift at 7007 South 36th Street, in Bellevue. They’re open Monday through Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Find them online at newlifethrift.net or on Facebook and Instagram. Call 402-731-9311 with questions. 

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