Two years ago, Gleaners was bursting at the seams in its Canyon Street location. A decision was made to expand in order to accommodate the growth that it was experiencing. It moved into the Eighth Avenue space now known as Gleaners Too.
Due to the hard work of Gleaners and Gleaners Too volunteers (28,000 hours in 2010), the support of loyal customers and the generosity of all those that donate the items that are essential to the organization’s success, it became obvious that Gleaners Too was stretching its seams.
In order to alleviate this problem and allow for future growth, a decision was made to expand the existing building. The expansion will be about 1,000 square feet on the north end of the existing building. The excavation has already started; unfortunately, Mother Nature refused to co-operate and brought about an early freeze. Construction will commence once the weather warms up and the frost is out of the ground.
Once construction is complete customers will see some changes inside and out. On the inside, the existing receiving and sorting area will be moved to the end of the new structure in a separate room. The furniture will be moved from its present location to the new addition. As a result, Gleaners will be better able to utilize the display area. The small appliances, electronics, lighting and plumbing areas can be displayed more efficiently.
The new space will be used to display the sofas, chairs, furniture, mattresses and other large items. A sporting goods section will display seasonal items as they come in.
On the outside, the existing storage shed along Canyon Street will be removed and everything that was normally displayed there will be moved inside. The existing space will be used to expand parking. The end result will be an improved shopping experience with everything under one roof out of the elements.
Customers’ patience is appreciated during the construction, as it will be business as usual.