5 things you need to know about Sozo Trading in Avondale, including goods from Uganda

Sozo Trading is celebrating its fourth anniversary in June. This special Birmingham organization is supporting children in Uganda as well as nonprofits right here in the Magic City.

Below are some things to know about Sozo Trading:

1. They sell items here that you won’t see anywhere else.

Sozo Trading is full of unique products. They have upscale thrift items, merchandise from Uganda, new boutique clothing and jewelry and vendor booths with an assortment of things available for purchase. Vendor booths include baby clothes, lighting, designer dresses, jewelry and more. From new boutique clothing to kitchen items from Uganda, you can find a wide variety here.

2. It supports the ministry of Sozo Children.

Sozo Children supports more than 120 children in Uganda, providing quality education, discipleship, proper nutrition, nurture and medical care. These children are from difficult backgrounds. They’re considered vulnerable, runaways or have a history of abuse and neglect. Sozo Children works alongside the Ugandan government to ensure each child gets quality care. Sozo Children provides care for these children in eight family-style homes on 28 acres of land, which also includes a worship facility and clean water wells for the community. The vision is to eventually house up to 300 children and build a school and medical clinic.

3. It also supports nonprofits here in Birmingham.

When Sozo Trading hears about a need here in Birmingham, they deliver. They send various items to shelters across the city to help displaced families or families in need. This includes centers for the homeless downtown. They also make space for other ministries to sell their products–an example is Community Naturals candles, which supports special needs parents and advocates.

4. You can donate your items.

You can donate your gently used items and support Sozo Children’s mission! They take clothing, accessories, shoes, home goods, electronics and furniture. Wondering if your item can be donated? Give them a call at (205) 703-0553. Pick up for larger items is available. If you don’t have an item to donate, consider lending your time–they welcome volunteers!

5. It’s home to one of Birmingham’s newest murals.

This mural was created by artists Meghan McCollum, Levi Levinson, Jordan Thompson and Lydia Walker of Blank Space Bham. They landed on this particular quote–a phrase often encouraged by Sozo Children’s CEO–by polling the local community. There are four additional murals planned along the wall on First Avenue South. Look out for those in the next couple of years!

“Our quote, “What you do matters,” is a reminder to be the best we can be and remember what we do really matters. Even in the small things, our world around us can become a better place.”

Suzanne Owens, Chief Executive Officer of Sozo Children

If you’re thinking about a way to give back, check out Sozo Trading Co. Everything purchased in the store supports their mission!