Continuing into this next stage announced by Governor Walz, reuse businesses are determining the safest approaches to re-opening parts of their operations and re-offering some services. Since our last COVID blog, there are some updates to note.
If you are a reuse business and would like to include an update or request for customers/supporters, please contact us – we’d love to include your tips and/or news with the broader reuse community.
Stay healthy, safe, and happy!
Arc’s Value Village – Find Everyday Needs, Treasures, and Collectibles
Arc’s Value Village reopened their donation drop off, with daily hours from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm. They ask that you use their back donor drive-thru and remain in your vehicle the whole time. All donations must be pre-sorted at home into clothing and houseware items, and transported in sturdy bags or boxes. Clearly label your bags/boxes with “Arc,” so staff members can unload your vehicle and leave your receipt in the trunk or backseat in order to maintain social distancing. Watch this video on Arc’s site for details.
Bridging – Furnishing Homes with Hope
Bridging was recently deemed an essential business, allowing them to bring staff back in to begin setting up proper protocols to operate safely. As of May 4th, Bridging is open to accept drop-off donations at both their Roseville and Bloomington locations. Bridging has also resumed their fee-based residential pick-up program for curb, driveway, or garage pick-up. Read more about what items are accepted and details on their process on the Bridging site.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore – Reused Home Improvement
The ReStore Home Improvement Outlets are closed for business until further notice. Starting May 5th, ReStore resumed donation pickups with additional safety protocols. Use the website to schedule a donation pickup. Thank you for holding off items if you plan to drop them off at a location – ReStore is working hard to determine how they can begin accepting donations at each store location. In the meantime, consider supporting the mission of Habitat for Humanity ReStore through an online donation.
Kids Rack – Clothing, Footwear, Equipment, and Toys
Kids Rack is doing live Facebook sales and has their online sales set up through comment "SOLD." They’re also offering personal shopping for customers, and can ship to the US or they also have curbside pick-up Monday – Saturday (limited hours).
Lake Country Books and More – Sellers of New and Used Books, Music, and Media
As long as the post office keeps picking up and delivering mail, Lake Country Books is still selling – 6 days a week! Check out their selection of used books, CDs, and DVDs – a great way to entertain, education, and enlighten while staying safe at home. Be aware we are seeing delays in shipments to Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan. Some go through normally, others have been delayed weeks. There is a big backlog in the Chicago distribution centers, and Media Mail moves slowest, so if you need something reasonably soon, please choose Priority Mail shipping.
The Lamp Mender – Vintage Lighting is Our Specialty
The Lamp Mender is temporarily closed, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make a plan for a future visit. Find the lamps in your house that need some extra love with a repair session or an updated lamp shade fitting. You can check out the different services available at the Lamp Mender on their site today so you’re ready when they re-open!
Minnesota Tool Library – #MTLMADE
The Tool Library is still open, with tools available for check-out for a 7-day period. They’ve moved to contact-less operations, adjusting open hours, closing the workshop, and requiring members make an appointment for checking in/out tools – make an appointment today. You can also join the Tool Library supporting healthcare and other essential workers by helping make masks - #MTLFaceMasks4FirstResponders.
Mr. Michael Recycles Bicycles, LLC – A Special Kind of Bicycle Shop
During this time, Mr. Michael’s shop is open by appointment only (scheduled by phone only). Call 651-641-1037 to schedule an appointment. MMRB is only offering paid repair services and sales of basic repair parts (tires, tubes, cables, brake blocks, etc.) at this time. The waiting list to receive gift bicycles is currently closed, but please check back on July 1st to see if the list reopened. MMRB is not currently accepted donated bicycles due to limited storage, but will announce on their website when they are accepting again.
Old School – City Pages 2019 “Best Thrift Store”
Old Schools is currently closed due to COVID, but the basic operating expenses for them exceed $5,000 per month. If you can help preserve their legacy with a tax-deductible donation, they offer a thousand thrifty thanks! You can make a donation through several options on their site or mail a check directly to their store.
Repair Lair – Spend Less on Gear (More on Beer)
Repair Lair’s hours during COVID are 12-6pm Thursday – Sunday. Mask making operations are still in full swing, with a recent update that over 15,000 meters of thread have been used to make the Repair Lair masks. Purchase masks for you and your family so you’re prepared as more restrictions are lifted. Remember, you’re wearing them to protect others!
RETHINK Tailoring & Sewing Lounge – A Different Option for Shopping: Revamp Your Wardrobe!
RETHINK Tailoring & Sewing Lounge is closed due to COVID, but they are also busy making masks – if you want to contribute to these efforts for making more masks for hospitals and other organizations, make a donation today! You can also purchase a variety of fun, colorful masks for you and your household too. Don’t forget to store clothing items that you can get tailored when the Sewing Lounge reopens.
Rethos – Connecting You to the Tools and Skills You Need to Take Good Care of Places You Love
Rethos has a Rehab Resources page on their website with DIY tips, links to local salvage shops, energy efficiency resources, etc. As spring arrives, Rethos is here to support you as you tackle home maintenance, repair, and rehab projects. While they’re missing working together in person, they’re excited to offer several great webinars over the upcoming weeks with a pay-what-you-can model. Check out the May classes today on their site.
Tech Discounts/Tech Dump – Offering Technology for Every Need
Tech Discounts: Starting May 4th, Tech Discounts retail locations in Golden Valley and St Paul will have curbside pickups – learn more on their blog. Tech Discounts also has free shipping on all purchases over $100 from their web-store.
Tech Dump: Modified, contactless pickups will begin on Wednesday, May 6th, and then no-contact drop-offs will begin on Monday, May 11th.
