Store manager Debbie Rauh and volunteer Mary Armstrong stand behind the counter of Reclaimed Resale, ready to help customers with purchases and donations. Photo by Amy Morys.

In December 2014, the Metamora community got an early Christmas gift. The doors of “Reclaimed Resale,” a shop dedicated to giving back to the community, opened just south of the square.

Reclaimed is a nonprofit organization with a mission “to accept donated goods and transform them into proceeds and gifts that enrich the quality of life for our students, families, and local charities.”

The idea for the store came from another successful resale shop, located just across the river.

Reclaimed Resale manager Debbie Rauh says, “Local youth workers saw the need for a youth center in our community and began exploring ways to fund a center… Chillicothe has a youth center that is funded by a local thrift store, Helping Hands Resale Shoppe… We thought this was an excellent example for the Metamora area. A not-for-profit board of directors was established, along with attaining our 501c3 status. My husband and I became involved when we were asked to manage the store.”

Rauh notes, “Items are donated to the store. We sell them and then, after expenses, donate the money raised to local charities and for a youth center.”

The store’s board of directors decides how monies are distributed, and since February 2015 the store has reinvested over $18,000 into local food pantries, the Snyder Village resident-in-need fund, Weekend Snackpac, local schools, local mission trips, and Metamora Youth for Christ.

The store is run by an all-volunteer team, with the exception of one paid management position. This gives volunteers a way to give back with their time, and keeps overhead low so the shop can reinvest the maximum amount of money back into the community.

The items for sale in the store aren’t typical thrift store items. Shoppers can find everything from hand-crafted jewelry and needlepointed items to quality housewares, like-new tools and clothing. For fans already preparing for fall’s Friday night lights, a variety of Metamora Redbirds gear can also be procured.

The store accepts almost anything-gently used, including clothing, accessories, furniture, household items, collectibles, jewelry, and toys. Of course, the store also accepts cash donations.

Reclaimed Resale is located at 104 South Menard in Metamora. The store is open Tuesday, 10am-7pm, Wednesday through Friday, 10am-5pm. Saturday, 10am -3pm. It takes many people to run Reclaimed and the store currently has over 60 volunteers, but can always use more. Please call the store at 309-367-2700 if you would like to help.