Story by Abby Taylor
May 28, 2026
From April 21 to 23, U.S. thrift managers and board members gathered in Rancho Cucamonga, California, for Walk the Talk, an MCC Thrift event centered on connection, learning and a shared vision for the future of the thrift network. Now in its fourth year, the gathering moves to a different region annually, giving participants the opportunity to experience the diversity and creativity of MCC Thrift shops across the country firsthand.
The heart of the event took place on April 22 with a visit to the local MCC Thrift shop in Rancho Cucamonga. The group was given a tour, met volunteers and staff and saw how the shop serves as more than a retail space. It is a place of community, welcome and connection.
“If you see one thrift shop, you’ve only seen one thrift shop,” said Roland Anye, national thrift shop development coordinator. While every MCC Thrift shop shares the same mission and values, each reflects the unique people, needs and spirit of its local community.
Throughout the gathering, participants also received training from an outside consultant, Walters & Associates, and spent time networking and discussing opportunities and challenges facing the thrift network. Stepping away from day-to-day demands of thrift work created space to reflect, collaborate and gain fresh perspective. Roland described the experience as gaining an “aerial view,” an opportunity to see both the bigger picture and each shop’s important role within it.
The event concluded on April 23 with a devotional led by Dina González-Piña, executive director of West Coast MCC. Reflecting on the parable of the mustard seed, Dina spoke about how small acts of service and generosity through MCC Thrift can grow into far reaching impact across the wider MCC global network.
This year brought together 23 participants, including thrift shop staff, board members and four thrift coordinators. With attendance higher than anticipated, Walk the Talk continues to strengthen relationships across the U.S. network of nearly 40 thrift shops.
“Walk the Talk gives everyone in the group an opportunity to guide others and be guided,” Roland shared, reminding participants that while each shop’s story may look different, they are all part of something much larger.