Exploring Life & Business with Tony Whitter of Blessings Abound

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tony Whitter.

Hi Tony, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Blessings Abound (BA) was started in 2007 to generate funds for local nonprofits in the Kansas City Metro. When I started at Blessings Abound in 2011, I was the only paid staff member, and all other staff were volunteers. The thrift operation has thrived into a staff of 70 with 130 active volunteers. BA’s give-back to the community is now approximately $2M per year. By the end of 2025, BA will have contributed more than $14M back the local community through great nonprofits, such as Operation Breakthrough, Metro Lutheran Ministry, Pete’s Garden, Flourish Furniture Bank, Hopebuilders, and many more (50+ total)!
These grants from BA reflect emergency, educational and mental health services, mentoring, literacy and employment programs and life-skills training.
Blessings Abound currently operates three thrift stores. With locations at 10325 and 10363 Metcalf, Overland Park, Ks, and 13637 Washington, Kansas City, Mo. Total floor space combined for the three facilities totals 64,000 sq ft. The Washington facility was purchased in February 2025.
BA is a great ministry! Folks from all walks can serve those in need through a super organization!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s all about the people. BA has wonderful volunteers and staff. We still have a few volunteers that were involved in starting BA in 2007! Thrift is hard work. The piles are big, but not as big as the hearts of those who serve.
Property owners aren’t always excited to deal with a smaller nonprofit. Large retailers can also make it difficult for thrift stores to find additional retail space. You gotta want it – that’s for sure!

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Blessings Abound?
Blessings Abound has wonderful people, a thriving donation pickup operation, and a vibrant furniture ministry. Most thrift stores are approximately 75% clothing. BA has developed a destination shopping experience with wonderful volunteer merchandisers and a broad selection of merchandise. BA is approximately 1/3 each – clothing, furniture, and housewares/decor. We also sell bedding, rugs, jewelry and other accessories. Shopping at BA is more like a department store thanks to many hands.
Blessings Abound has been very productive achieving its mission, giving more $ to the KC Metro area than other thrift organizations combined!
The Blessings Abound name is becoming more known, with a reputation as a great ministry and economic engine for the KC Metro area to aid those in need through local nonprofits.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
It’s pleasure to share the story of BA and the nonprofits we support. BA is active in local associations, such as the Barnabas Group.
BA collaborates with numerous nonprofits in Kansas City! We are having a great event in collaboration with Operation Breakthrough, and work regularly with Flourish Furniture Bank, Hopebuiilders, and many more!
As far as mentoring, find someone who exemplifies who (or where) you want to be in the future. Don’t be afraid to reach out and stretch your comfort zone.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.blessingsaboundkc.org