Don't call it a thrift shop.

It may operate on the same nonprofit business model, but the Wellspring Store, which has its Grand Opening tomorrow at 10 a.m., is more like an upscale boutique - except for the prices.

Featuring donated new and "gently used" goods and unique hand-crafted items to the community-at-large, the store is located in the Peachtree East Shopping Center between Publix and The Italian Oven on Ga. Highway 54 on the east side of Peachtree City. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

During the Open House, door prizes supplied by retailers in the Shopping Center complex will be given away every hour. Entrants do not have to be present to win.

Shoppers at a preview sale" Tuesday were "blown away" by the high quality and variety of merchandise, according to Becky Smith, Wellspring Store manager. More than 100 customers explored the five store departments and took home dozens of bags of items. The result far exceeded the volunteer staff's expectations, Smith said.

Items available at the Wellspring Store include new/almost new furniture, household goods, women's clothing and accessories, and children's necessities and clothing (size 0-6). Most of items stocking the shelves are new and have been donated by local retailers. "We appreciate their support and hope it continues," Smith said.

Some shoppers came in with items to donate and left with bags of items they purchased.

Anne Phillips of Peachtree City heard about the Wellspring Store through her church and a friend. "My friend came to the Open House (in February) and said, 'You better get over there,'" she said. With two children in college, she was looking for items to furnish their apartments.

The Wellspring Store is a volunteer-run business sponsored by the nonprofit organization Wellspring of Living Water, Inc., which offers hope to women in need. Proceeds help support the Wellspring Home in Fayette County, a residential program for young women seeking a "new beginning" in society after involvement in the adult entertainment industry, according to Mary Frances Bowley, director of Wellspring of Living Water, Inc. The program provides six months as a resident in the Wellspring Home and three months aftercare in a host home setting.

Women who have completed the initial residential program will then work in the Wellspring Store to allow them an opportunity "to give something