Downtown Wapakoneta welcomed a new shop on Friday that sells unique fashion while also providing life-changing opportunities across the world. Acacia of Hope was founded nearly ten years ago to empower the people of East Africa. Now, a portion of the Mercy Unlimited consignment store has been dedicated to their mission. Handmade clothing, jewelry and décor from Africa will be sold in the new storefront. All sales will give Kenya resources like water filters, bibles, and sponsor children to attend school. The founder and Executive Director of Acacia of Hope, Melissa Odira, says she enjoys seeing people want to help beyond the Wapak city limits.

The fire in downtown Wapakoneta on December 23, 2018, changed the lives of more than 20 people. Luckily everyone who lived in the apartments at 1 Perry Street made it out safely, but with nearly all their possessions lost.