Reuse and Recycle, this thrift store making use of each item brought in

LANDER, Wyo. (Wyoming News Now) -

The Lander United Methodist Thrift Shop has been taking in many more donations since a few others stores have been closed almost a year due to Covid precautions. The thrift shop shared a bit more about how they use each and every item. Although thrift stores and waste, may seem to go hand in hand, this consignment store has made it their mission to make sure that nothing goes to waste, and as much as possible can be given away, sold, or donated again.

Lander United Methodist Thrift Shop Manager Patricia Murray stated, “We want people to know that everything they give us, we really are trying to sell, but sometimes we can’t, and it does have a home, it will have a good home.” The shop partners with Eagle’s Hope, Abba’s House, and the senior center among others to donate excess items to distribute the wealth. “Anybody who needs anything, we pretty much just give it to them.” mentioned Murray.

A volunteer at the thrift shop from Riverton, often transports donations in her own vehicle from individuals, over to the store since there aren’t a lot of drop off locations in Riverton. “I come over and my trunk will be full, my backseat will be full. I don’t mind because it’s better than the dump,” stated volunteer at the thrift store, Rebecca Mesa.

The store has also been recycling clothes that have seen better days. About every six months, a truck will come from Colorado to take items that aren’t in good enough shape to sell or simply aren’t selling, and they are recycled into rags or donated overseas. “Caribbean mostly, or sometimes Africa, and the clothes get recycled that way, so there’s very little waste,” added Murray.

The group of volunteers are happy to give back while utilizing all that comes into the store. “It just makes me feel good. I grew up and didn’t have money so I said, I know how it is and I can empathize,” emphasized Mesa.

A few regulations are lifting as well, the store just increased the allowed shoppers to 12, and children are now allowed in the store again to shop.

Donations are being accepted, preferably from Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. If you can’t drop off then, the shop can take donations when the store is open: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 1:30-4:00. The store closes at 4:30, but donations will only be accepted until 4 p.m.

The store cannot accept electronics such as computers, keyboards, and television sets. They are also unable to accept furniture, but you may call about furniture, and the volunteers can reach out to someone who should be able to help. The volunteers are thankful for the support, and ask that people please do not leave donations if no one is there to receive them.

Copyright 2021 Wyoming News Now. All rights reserved.