Mountains of donated couches, books and dishes are pushing Finger Lakes ReUse into its biggest space yet, according to The Tompkins Weekly, as the nonprofit prepares to reopen inside the former Big Lots next month.
The new 48,000-square-foot Cayuga ReUse Center in Lansing will replace the crowded Triphammer location and combine donation processing, storage and retail operations under one roof. Leaders said donations have surged over the past decade, with more than 61,000 vehicles dropping off items last year alone.
Volunteers have fueled the move, with nearly 300 people helping paint, move shelving and organize inventory in recent weeks. ReUse leaders hope the larger store will process donations faster, increase sales and stabilize finances as the nonprofit struggles with rising operating costs and overflowing warehouses.
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