There are many reasons Lunenburg County and Southside Virginia is very lucky to have BLISS of Lunenburg on Main Street in Victoria.

What may appear as a simple thrift store in town serves as a catalyst to help those with special needs while supporting nonprofits across the community.

Since the store opened in 2012, BLISS has donated $25,000 to charities across the region, including Lunenburg Health Services, the Salvation Armies in Kenbridge and Victoria, the Lions Club and the Senior Citizen Center, in Victoria among others.

I expect the number of people helped, the amount of money donated to nonprofits and the number of gently used garments to exponentially grow as the store moves down the street to a more expansive location, which, in turn, will grow and better our community.

The store will move from its current location at 1808 Main St. to 1816 Main St., the former site of Southside Furniture & Floor Covering Inc.

BLISS founder Lena Hipps-Clarke said the new location, with an expanded main floor and accessible restrooms for those with disabilities, will continue to provide services to the community.

“We are very fortunate to the community, who has helped us to continue our operations and has helped us donate … to different charities,” Hipps-Clarke said.

The generosity of a colleague of Hipps-Clarke has made this possible.

She credits the opportunity to move into the new location from proceeds and a financial gift from Richard Eressy, who Hipps-Clarke said donated the funds he received from selling his home and associated property in Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

Though construction is underway, Hipps-Clarke said donations are still needed to put down carpet, laminate flooring and decking boards.

Along with offering continued support to the organization, I encourage the community to lend BLISS a helping hand in its move and settling in its new digs down the street.

Your actions — as those of BLISS’ — can change the lives of many.

Jordan Miles is managing editor of The K-V Dispatch. His email address is Jordan.Miles@KVDispatch.com.