FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What is this?
Lancaster Creative Reuse is 1) A thrift store specializing in arts, crafts and sewing supplies that will make you swoon. And make you blink when your bill is so low. 2) An open craft table that you have to drag your kids away from and then still find glitter and random shapes in their pockets when you get home 3) Occasional programs at festivals, schools and organizations as volunteer time allows, that show the crafty, creative fun that can be had from scraps.
2. When you say your items are "inexpensive," what does that mean, exactly?
It means we could be called "The Less-Than-A-Dollar Store." We haven't tested this scientifically, but we'd say 75% of our items are from 10 cents to 50 cents. And if we price something a dollar or over we wince, like "Really?"
3. Who is the shop for?
We're going to go with A) Everyone. More specifically, those who like to save money, reuse, do arts/crafts/sewing themselves, or lead others in said activities. This includes kids, crafters, teachers, artists, parents, daycares, preschools, youth organizations (Girl Scouts, After School Groups), retirement communities, summer camps, and you.
4. Where does all this stuff come from?
From people around Lancaster County who were like "Enough already!" after stuffing everything back into their craft/art/sewing cabinet/closet/room for the 25th attempt at trying to "clean out." Also, from people at businesses who have been squirreling away usable overstock, samples and scraps under their desk to keep it out of the Dumpster. Everyone likes when something can go to use instead of waste, and LCR matches community need to community supply.
5. Is this going to seem like a room full of junk?
Don't be ridiculous.
6. So we pay the money for our purchase, and then what happens to it?
Lancaster Creative Reuse is a self-supporting program, so the store income supports this unique resource being available to the community, i.e. rent, publicity cost, etc. We excel at keeping costs low, so we can do a lot with a little. The dream is that in the future LCR would be a full scale program, with paid staff providing expanded hours and regular programming on creative reuse to the community. Thanks for being a part of it!
7. Who runs this place?
A group of dedicated, semi-tireless volunteers who have creative reuse running through their veins. If you've suspected you also have blood type 'CR,' then by all means contact us at LancasterCreativeReuse@gmail.com.
8. Who are you very grateful to?
1) The nonprofit Keystone Arts & Culture Center (KACC), an amazing gallery and working foundry on Pearl Street in Lancaster. KACC is our fiscal sponsor and as such provides oversight and guidance. A donation to LCR is a tax-deductable donation through KACC.
2) The Theater of the Seventh Sister whose vision created The Stahr Center. This low cost space is what allows us to exist for you.
2) The Theater of the Seventh Sister whose vision created The Stahr Center. This low cost space is what allows us to exist for you.
