URBANA, Ill. (WAND) — A new store in Urbana is taking items people no longer need and putting them back into the hands of people who do.
See Use Again is a small business with one main goal: keeping art supplies and materials out of the landfill and giving them back to the community.
Founder Meg McDonald held the store's grand opening Thursday and said it is something she is proud to do.
"I think this place deserves to exist," McDonald said. "It's not a nonprofit; it's a small business. But we have values that would be more at home in a nonprofit."
McDonald started the business out of her garage, but securing a storefront has been a game changer for her and the community.
"We might like having things nice and orderly, but sometimes emotionally and mentally it's hard to go through our own things," McDonald said. "I really like being of service in that way."
The City of Urbana and Mayor DeShawn Williams appeared at the grand opening to show their support for the new business.
McDonald said the mayor's presence meant a lot to her.
"For them to make time — not just for the big businesses — but for the little guys like me, I thought that was really important, and I truly appreciated it," McDonald said.
Williams said developing businesses and investing in the community are both important goals for the city.
"They want opportunities for families, businesses and future generations," Williams said. "That is the work we have been focused on over the past year together."
See Use Again is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays in Urbana, and McDonald is ready to make a lasting impact doing what she loves.
"I want people to have a place where they can access affordable art products and have a third space," McDonald said. "A place that's not their home; a place that's not their work, just somewhere they can come and hang out."
To learn more about See Use Again or to donate materials, visit the store's Facebook page.
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