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By Chanel Bingham | Special to the Advertiser

Rebecca Martin has always had a heart for helping others.

She has been reaching out to help those in need for many years; however, last year Martin took her giving to a new level.

In April 2014, Martin converted the old Collins Nursery building located off Highway 31 in Thorsby into a flea market.

“I’ve always had a desire to help others, and an idea just came to me overnight to clean up the nursery and put it to good use,” Martin said.

And put it to good use she has.

Martin takes all of the proceeds from her flea market sales and uses them to help provide for less fortunate children.

While Martin gives back throughout the year, Christmas is her largest time of giving.

Martin works with the counselors at Thorsby High School to help determine those families with the greatest needs. The families then submit a wish list, and Martin gets to work on fulfilling basic needs along with some special Christmas wishes.

“We provide the basics such as clothes, shoes and jackets, but we also try to give them what is on their wish list,” Martin said. “Bicycles are always on the list.”

Last Christmas, Martin helped nearly 130 families, and this year she has already helped 100 families.

Martin said she expects to help even more in the upcoming days before Christmas.

“I enjoy giving, and I really enjoy packing the bags,” shares Martin. “But I think my favorite part is to see the parents’ faces when they pick it up.”

Martin’s flea market is open every Thursday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

She carries a variety of different items from dishes and housewares to clothing and toys, with all of the items being donated.

The flea market is located in the old Collins Nursery building off Highway 31, one mile north of Thorsby.