About the ODGC

The Overly Dignified Giving Center (ODGC) is a unique place where community members can “shop” for clothing and shoes using A2S “bucks.” Although no real money is exchanged, each shopper receives a set amount of this symbolic currency to spend on items of their choice—and, just like in any store, they must stay within the marked prices.

This model reflects a core value that runs through everything we do at A2S: dignity. Even something as simple as donating clothes requires thoughtful consideration. When we give away forgotten or discarded clothing, recipients often receive items that don’t fit well, don’t match their needs, or don’t reflect their personal style. Similarly, handing out one standard item to everyone—for instance, a sweatshirt—may not support the specific needs of each family. A parent might need work-appropriate clothing, or a child may need properly fitting shoes.

Because of this, the ODGC is intentionally stocked with a wide range of clothing and shoes—from everyday basics to high-end brands—in various sizes, colors, and styles. Our generous donors include Under Armour, NBA, Feet Fleet, Feetures, Mine by Sandy (a high-end boutique in Davidson, NC), and the popular Charlotte consignment sale Green Jeans, which offers everything from casual items to luxury pieces. Last year, we distributed over 7,000 items of clothing!

At its heart, the ODGC affirms agency and choice—something we believe is a God-given right for every human being and a theme woven through all of our interactions and programming at A2S.


My Young Mentor at the ODGC

As a first-time visitor to Nigeria this past summer, I (Liz Fetzer) had the privilege of exploring many facets of the Youth Center and participating firsthand in several programs. One afternoon, a small group of us was invited to serve at the ODGC.

I was excited—eager to welcome community members, help them select clothing, and make them feel comfortable. It was deeply rewarding to see the items that had been lovingly donated make their long journey: first collected, then taken to our MorningStar storage facility (one of our sponsors), then carefully packed by Storyhill Church volunteers on packing day, and finally shipped overseas. Now, washed and hung in the center for others to enjoy, they had come full circle. I even recognized some of the specific clothing items and brands we had recently sent.

I met a fellow staff member in person for the first time, Success, the ODGC coordinator. Success explained how the center worked and how we could best help the community members shopping that day. A few After School Academy students were also at the center serving alongside us, but one young girl—around 11 years old—immediately caught my attention. She introduced herself, though at first I struggled to catch her name (I later learned it was Christabel).

What I noticed right away, even from the corner of my eye, was how meticulously she worked—picking up items that had slipped from hangers, straightening them with practiced care, and making sure everything looked just right. It was clear she took great pride in her role.

Being away from my own daughter for such a long trip had been difficult, and something about Christabel—who was the same age—brought me a sense of comfort and connection. I wondered how my daughter might approach a responsibility like this. I found myself deeply impressed by Christabel’s quiet confidence, her warm manner with shoppers, and her mature sense of responsibility.

There were a few moments when I felt distracted, shy, or awkward—hesitating to walk up to a shopper. Christabel noticed immediately. At one point, she gently took my hand and nodded toward a shopper as if to say, “Go ahead and help them.” Without a word, she guided me—my young mentor in the ODGC.

How wise and observant for an 11-year-old girl to notice a newcomer’s hesitation, and how incredible that she approached me with such gentle encouragement. Later, I reflected on how often so many of us stand on the sidelines, hesitating to help when we are needed.

In those few seconds of hesitation, dozens of thoughts ran through my mind: Perhaps I would be imposing. Perhaps the shoppers were wondering why we were in Nigeria. Maybe they felt embarrassed and preferred to be left alone. Maybe I would get in the way. What if they couldn’t understand me with my Southern accent? Isn’t it so illustrative of the many reasons we give ourselves not to step into service? We come up with so many ideas for why we shouldn’t help or why our help might come across the wrong way.

But Christabel taught me that day—in such a gentle and wise way—to move toward purpose and service, even if it feels awkward or uncomfortable. This young girl was not only a warm reminder of my own daughter; she was a true example of the hands and feet of Christ, setting an example for someone much older and a stranger to her home.

If you ever find yourself hesitating out of awkwardness or fear, let this be the gentle nudge Christabel gave me that day: step in anyway and serve God in whatever way you can. Consider this your nudge to give toward our end-of-year campaign. And if you’re not in a season to share your treasure, know that you can serve in other ways—we’d love to partner with you as you offer your time and gifts as well. Contact Laura at laura@a2sfoundation.org to schedule a time to talk.

In Her Own Words: Meet Christabel

My name is Christabel Festus. I am now 12 years old and the second child in my family. I have two siblings, Jeffrey and Eric, who are both part of the A2S program. My mum sells fruit salad.

I joined the Academy in 2023. At first, I wasn’t as open as I am now, but I enjoyed every part of the program.

Volunteering at the ODGC came from my desire to make people feel happy and special. Since I joined, I’ve loved attending to the people who come to shop at the ODGC Center.

My favorite moment is seeing people feel happy and glad. The feeling is something I can’t really express.