Kingdom Closet reopens one year after destructive fire

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Kingdom Closet, a clothing thrift shop at the corner of Elwood Avenue and Huey Street in South Bend, officially reopened Tuesday after a destructive fire in 2024.

City officials, including Mayor James Mueller, community leaders, and supporters gathered to celebrate at the ribbon-cutting.

The store won't start accepting donations until early September.

On Tuesday, there was a line of customers going down the side of the building, waiting to shop before the opening.

The shop's new hours are Tuesday through Friday noon to 5 p.m.

Notre Dame Credit Union provided free tacos from Frank's Taco Truck at the reopening.

The store carries clothing for everyone, and almost everything is just $1.

Pastor Charisse Lee, who co-runs the store, said, "Relief, I was like, 'Whoo! We did it, we're here, and look at everyone that's here to support and celebrate it.' So, it really was just a relief, 100 tons on our back just lifted off."