How’d it all start?
When Russ Pullen lost his job as a personal trainer due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he immediately reached out to former clients to see if they needed any repairs or maintenance done around their home. It quickly turned into a full-time job!
While many of them needed services like pressure cleaning, painting, gutter cleaning, trimming trees, and minor carpentry, some couldn’t afford to pay full price because of their own financial hardships, and they refused to let Russ do it for free. So, they bartered for reusable items and sometimes even brownies!
Word spread and within a few months, Russ had already impacted dozens of lives helping the disadvantaged, the elderly, and the handicapped. But he wanted to do more…
That’s when he dreamed up the idea of starting Handy Helping Hands and opening the 3H Thrift Shop to work in partnership with his service organization so many more people could be helped.
Who Benefits
Since we opened our doors in February 2021, we’ve helped almost 100 local residents keep their homes safe and dignified with basic maintenance and repairs services in and around their home. We’ve been able to do this because of generous donations of re-saleable items that are dropped off at our thrift shop every business day.
With Kim (that’s me) working behind the scenes and Russ acting as the “frontman,” we also hope to utilize the experience and wisdom of retired citizens in our community to create a circle of service where giving and receiving work hand in hand.
Going Strong
In 2023, we’ll be starting our third year in Franklin. We are so grateful to all in priceless volunteers that dedicate their time and energy to making 3H Thrift Shop and Handy Helping Hands what it is today.
The Apostle Peter said, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10).
Russ & Kim Pullen
Please note: We are not a 501(c)(3) company but hope to apply in 2021.
How can you help?
Donate Cash
Pay it forward financially by contributing a one-time or monthly donation toward the basic home repairs of someone else in need.
Donate Re-Saleable Items
Pay it forward by donating items you aren’t using anymore to be sold in the thrift store to support someone else in need. One person’s “trash” is another person’s treasure!
Tell us what items you will donate below