New 2 You

Meet Ben and Char, two Grand Rapids Christian High School (GRCHS) seniors who are loved and appreciated members of the New 2 You community!

Ben and Char both work at New 2 You on weekends and during school breaks. Ben is a jack-of-all-trades—whether it’s cashiering, helping customers with furniture, or preparing shoes for sale, he’s got it covered! Char enjoys working in the donation center, where she sorts incoming clothes and organizes dressing room returns. They started working at New 2 You this summer to earn money for their Winterim trips and have continued as part-time staff members since August.

Not only are Ben and Char amazing workers, but they also shine on stage as stars in GRCHS theater productions. Both had leading roles in this semester’s production of Big Fish, a highlight for Ben in his high school career. Coming up in February, they’ll be performing together in Radium Girls, marking their 13th theater production each!

Beyond theater, Ben and Char are members of GRCHS’s Chamber Chorale and the International Thespian Society. Char also competes with the highly acclaimed Forensics team, where one of her favorite memories was helping her team win 1st place at last year’s State Tournament. Ben is planning to study psychology and theater next year in college, while Char will study vocal performance.

As GRCHS students working at New 2 You, Ben and Char have a unique connection to the community. They love running into friends and teachers at the store and deepening those relationships in a new setting. They also enjoy how many volunteers share their enthusiasm for GRCHS and its theater program, making their conversations especially meaningful.

We’re so grateful to have Ben and Char as part of the New 2 You family and can’t wait to see all that they’ll accomplish. They are truly AMAZING!

Butch and Lois have found a meaningful way to stay connected to Grand Rapids Christian Schools (GRCS) through their volunteer work at New 2 You. With Butch as a friendly face at the cash register and Lois contributing her expertise in the women’s boutique clothing section, they bring light and love to the store community.

Lois is no stranger to GRCS, having dedicated 35 years as a beloved English teacher at Grand Rapids Christian High School. Even without children or grandchildren in the school system, she treasures staying involved with the mission of Christian education. After graduating from Calvin College—where she and Butch began their relationship—she started her teaching career right at GRCHS and remained there until retirement.

Meanwhile, Butch’s roots in Michigan run deep. Raised on a muck farm, he later worked as a tax assessor in Jenison. Now retired, he and Lois enjoy traveling, dining out with friends, going on daily walks together, attending CALL classes at Calvin, strolling around Frederik Meijer Gardens, and reading. 

In their retirement years, finding a way to give back is important to them, and New 2 You turned out to be the perfect fit. Lois first discovered the opportunity through a church bulletin 16 years ago. Inspired by the impact GRCS had on her students, she was eager to contribute in a new way. About eight years later, Butch joined her.

Today, Lois works alongside her good friend Diane, pricing and preparing women’s boutique clothing. She loves the camaraderie, saying, “You really come to love these people.” Butch agrees, adding, “They enrich your life and add a different dimension.” At the cash register, Butch is a warm and welcoming presence, building relationships with both volunteers and customers. Lois jokes that she can often hear him laughing with customers while she’s putting out clothes. 

Butch and Lois take great joy in knowing their efforts directly support the community and Christian education.

Thank you, Butch and Lois, for your kind hearts and unwavering dedication.

Ever wonder how New 2 You always has such beautiful flower arrangements? It’s all thanks to Dianne! For the past six years, she has crafted over a thousand stunning arrangements for us, and we are so grateful for her talent and generosity.

Dianne honed her bouquet-making skills at Ballpark Floral while raising three daughters, including Laura, our wonderful Assistant Store Manager. Laura loves how her mom’s home is always beautifully decorated with flowers and seasonal decor—Dianne truly has an eye for beauty!

When Laura is working at New 2 You, she gathers donated artificial flowers and pots that Dianne might use. When inspiration strikes, Dianne uses these materials to create arrangements in her home, which we then sell at the store.

In this special form of volunteering, Dianne finds joy and purpose. Designing arrangements has become a creative outlet for her, and knowing that her work supports families at Grand Rapids Christian Schools brings her even more joy.

What a beautiful way to share her gifts with others!