News Summary
Michelle McBride starts her new role as the manager of Redstone Thrift Shop, bringing her experience and enthusiasm as she replaces Sophie Gentry. The shop allocates significant grants to support local organizations and has a vibrant community-focused inventory. McBride’s background includes teaching and contracting, and she enjoys engaging with the community through her new position.
Huntsville Welcomes New Manager of Redstone Thrift Shop
Huntsville, Alabama – Michelle McBride began her new role as the manager of the Redstone Thrift Shop on May 19, marking a significant career milestone amidst personal achievements. Just days before, her youngest daughter, Madeline, graduated from Huntsville High School, adding a joyous dimension to an already transformative week for McBride.
McBride takes over the position from Sophie Gentry, who managed the Thrift Shop for four years before stepping down to devote time to her growing family. McBride is enthusiastic about her new responsibilities, highlighting the positive impact the Thrift Shop has on the community, from the opportunities it provides for donors and shoppers to its annual community grants.
Community Contributions and Support
Since its establishment, the Redstone Thrift Shop has been committed to giving back to the community. For the year 2024, the Thrift Shop has allocated a total of $25,000 in grants to 15 selected organizations that serve Huntsville and its surroundings. Lisa Loew serves as the grants chairperson for the shop, ensuring funds are directed to impactful community initiatives.
Professional Background
Before becoming the Thrift Shop manager, McBride worked as a preschool teacher at First Presbyterian Church in Huntsville from 2021 until May 16, 2023. She also has experience working as a housing contractor in Germany from 2019 to 2020. The McBride family relocated to Huntsville from Stuttgart, Germany after her husband, retired Marine Maj. Matt McBride, completed his military service in November 2020.
Personal Milestones and Interests
Originally from the Philippines, McBride’s childhood was shaped by a Navy career, which led to frequent relocations. She completed her high school education in Missoula, Montana, and holds a bachelor’s degree in design from Oregon State University, graduating in 2002. McBride has been married for 23 years and has two daughters: Mia, who swims for Marshall University, and Madeline, who plans to study international business with a focus on German at Mississippi State University.
Aside from her professional role, McBride enjoys sewing, gardening, exercising, and following local swimming events. She is proud to be part of the Thrift Shop team, which consists of four paid staff members and about 25 regular volunteers. The shop currently has a diverse inventory that changes daily, demonstrating a community-focused approach to both commerce and service.
Operational Hours and Contact Information
The Redstone Thrift Shop is located at 3209 Hercules Road and operates on a specific schedule: open Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursdays from noon to 4 p.m., and the first Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For those interested in consignment services, hours are available on Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon and Thursday from noon to 2 p.m.
For business inquiries, the Thrift Shop can be reached at 256-881-6992, while consignments are handled through the number 256-881-6915.
Conclusion
As McBride embarks on this new journey at the Redstone Thrift Shop, she expresses genuine excitement about her role. The Thrift Shop continues to serve as a vital resource for the community, bridging gaps and enhancing lives through its operations and grant programs.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- The Redstone Rocket
- Wikipedia: Thrift Store
- Hville Blast
- Google Search: thrift stores Huntsville
- WHNT News
- Google Scholar: thrift stores community impact
- Huntsville Business Journal
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thrift Store
- Hville Blast – Spring Cleaning
- Google News: Huntsville thrift shop manager
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
