Kim Mowery of Intercourse knew that the one-year anniversary of the day her husband, Dennis, died would not be easy. So, Kim took May 17, 2022, off from her job as assistant manager at New Hope Clothing Closet in Quarryville. Her neighbor and friend offered to spend the day with her.

On a walk the two women took that day, both noticed a "for rent" sign in a building near where they lived. The shop at 3561 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse, was available for a new business. The neighbor suggested Kim rent it. Kim learned who owned the building and asked questions. Learning that the rent was reasonable, Kim began to pray. Two days later, she decided to go ahead. "I had such peace about (the decision)," Kim recalled. She gave a lengthy notice at her place of employment, and by mid-July, she was able to devote herself full time to opening a new business.

On Father's Day this year, Kim's children gathered at the building to help her paint and refurbish to prepare to open The Bees' Needs Family Thrift & Collectibles, a store she hopes will be up and running by the end of September. Gathering items for the store has been an exercise in trust. "God has been connecting me to people," said Kim, who has found new items through store overstock, such as socks, underwear, and curtains, and has attended auctions to bring other things to the store. "People I have known are spreading the word and giving me nice things," said Kim, whose store will sell men's, women's, and children's clothing, and shoes for everyone, along with accessories, toys, books, household items, and collectibles. Kim is particular about what she will offer customers. "I want to sell quality items, so all the kid's clothes are very gently used or new," she said. "That is my goal," she noted, adding that she hopes both local shoppers and visitors to the area will find items of interest in her store.

The name The Bees' Needs was based on Kim's son Jared often remarking that something was the "bee's knees." Kim's youngest daughter, Sarah June, nicknamed Junie Bee, succumbed to a brain tumor in 2008. Kim had seven bees, one to represent each of the children, carved into her husband's gravestone. When Kim first searched the name, there were several businesses called The Bee's Knees. Jared suggested she change it to The Bees' Needs, which worked better for a thrift shop.

Mowery also intends to give back to local organizations, setting aside certain pieces of men's clothing for Restart Training Center Ministries. She also she hopes to spotlight area nonprofits using a register feature that allows customers to round up to the next dollar as a donation.

Another goal Mowery has set is to use her faith to uplift customers. "I want to be able to share Jesus in such a way that people want to come back because they have peace just walking in the door," said Mowery. "When God shared this opportunity with me, I didn't see dollar signs; I saw an opportunity to share His testimonies."

Mowery said a few maintenance issues have delayed opening the shop, but she hopes to be seeing customers by the end of September. Readers who want to learn more may search for "The Bees' Needs Family Thrift" on Facebook.