OUR STORY
In 2001, Loudon County, Tennessee residents Gene and Roberta Burwell dreamed up a giving-back-to-the community store: a simple shop where quality, gently-used merchandise could be donated and sold, with proceeds going directly to Loudon County organizations and residents in need.
Staffed by caring volunteers, the Good Neighbors Shoppe opened its doors in 2002, in a small space in downtown Lenoir City. Each year the shop has grown in size and profits, and is now considered a premier, upscale resale shop, highly respected in and around the area.
As GNS grows and changes, maintaining community credibility and respect is priority No. 1. The Good Neighbors Shoppe Board of Directors, which is dedicated to preserving the store’s original ideals, provides hands-on oversight. Each month the Board thoroughly reviews the organizations and scholarship recipients that receive our financial help. We are proud to have donated almost $7 million to the Loudon County community through December 2023.
The keystone to our success is the generosity of local donors who are witness to the help we have been able to bring to the community, our loyal customers (many from neighboring counties), as well as the benevolence of a growing team of over 240 volunteers.
In October 2014, GNS moved to its current 12,500 square-foot store at 420 Leeper Parkway (next door to the former store). The larger building includes a warehouse and spacious display area for additional merchandise. We now offer our loyal customers a larger selection of clothing, accessories, shoes, housewares, collectibles and furniture, as well as a pleasant shopping experience.
Through hard work and strong friendships, the Good Neighbors Shoppe continues its original mission of helping those in need right here in our community.
Staffed by caring volunteers, the Good Neighbors Shoppe opened its doors in 2002, in a small space in downtown Lenoir City. Each year the shop has grown in size and profits, and is now considered a premier, upscale resale shop, highly respected in and around the area.
As GNS grows and changes, maintaining community credibility and respect is priority No. 1. The Good Neighbors Shoppe Board of Directors, which is dedicated to preserving the store’s original ideals, provides hands-on oversight. Each month the Board thoroughly reviews the organizations and scholarship recipients that receive our financial help. We are proud to have donated almost $7 million to the Loudon County community through December 2023.
The keystone to our success is the generosity of local donors who are witness to the help we have been able to bring to the community, our loyal customers (many from neighboring counties), as well as the benevolence of a growing team of over 240 volunteers.
In October 2014, GNS moved to its current 12,500 square-foot store at 420 Leeper Parkway (next door to the former store). The larger building includes a warehouse and spacious display area for additional merchandise. We now offer our loyal customers a larger selection of clothing, accessories, shoes, housewares, collectibles and furniture, as well as a pleasant shopping experience.
Through hard work and strong friendships, the Good Neighbors Shoppe continues its original mission of helping those in need right here in our community.
