ELY – The economic development picture here brightened this week with the announcement that the shuttered Goodwill store location will soon be reopened as the Ely Drop and Shop Thrift Store.

“We have secured the building at 204 E Sheridan St. and will start receiving donations on Monday, April 8,” said store manager Monte Martin, who held the same position at the former Ely Goodwill Industries facility. That store closed on Jan. 19.

“Our team at Ely Drop and Shop is very excited that we will be opening a new thrift store in town.” Martin said. “Everything has been going quite smoothly and things are falling into place nicely. Our team has been working very hard.”

Martin said the location for the new venture is ideal, since area shoppers are used to a thrift store in the same location. “We are doing the best we can with what we’ve got so far, but we still need a lot of help.”

The organization’s GoFundMe me page is still active and they still have an account open at the Ely Area Credit Union. “If you would like to donate that way we would sure appreciate it,” Martin added. “We are striving to build a successful business that will give us an opportunity to be able to give back and help contribute to our community’s needs.”

The Drop and Shop Thrift Store committee, comprised of former Goodwill employees and other community supporters, has a goal to raise money for local groups, charities, and organizations that are working to achieve short-term goals.

“Unsold items will be recycled through our community in many different ways,” Martin said. “We have lots of exciting ideas in the making, but we would also like to hear yours so if you have an idea you’d like to share with us, please let us know.”

Martin can be reached at 218-235-6110. The organization’s email address is elydropandshop@gmail.com. Ely Drop and Shop also has a Facebook page.

“We ask that everyone please be patient and understanding with us as we work on all the details. Being that we are a new business and everything is happening so fast, we expect there to be some road bumps along the way. Just know we are dedicated to serving our community the best we can,” he said.

Ely Drop and Shop does not accept the following donations: Stained or irrepairable furniture, bean bag chairs, sleeper sofas, large appliances, hot water heaters, air conditioners, pillows, mattresses, box springs, windows, sinks, toilets or other fixtures, paint or any chemicals or fluids, baby furniture, toys, car seats, and games that do not comply with CPSC safety standards, tires, wheels, batteries, firearms and fireworks, food and beverages, opened cosmetics and hair care products, damaged or stained clothing, apparel and shoes, any type of trash or hazardous materials, nor items that are wet, mildewed, rusty, flammable, or in any way dangerous.

Donations will be accepted Monday-Saturday, starting April 8, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Drop off donations for Ely Drop and Shop, at 204 E Sheridan St., at the second door down on the side of the building.