New Holland Re-Uzit Shop Seeks Board Members

Lori Bennett, a member of the board of the New Holland Re-Uzit Shop, shared that one of the main requirements the organization is looking for in new board members is a "Christian heart focused on wanting to serve."

Bennett knows that such people are present in the local area. "This community has so many wonderful people who have a passion for serving and have some really neat gifts the board can use," she said. The current board of six has made it a mission to expand membership to nine or more. "We want to reach out ... beyond our circles and find some people who have the potential to be really good board members," Bennett said.

Among the qualities the organization would like to see in potential board members are familiarity with areas of property management, real estate, and construction; human resources, as about half of the staff of 18 is full time; accounting and finance; and legal issues. Bennett noted that skills in those areas could help the organization move forward with plans for the future. "We are looking to do some exciting things," said Bennett.

Currently, the board meets every other month, normally in the evening, but individual committees often get together in between those meetings. "It's not a huge time commitment, but (a minimum amount of) time will be necessary," Bennett noted.

The New Holland Re-Uzit Shop has been a fixture in the area for decades, having opened in 1976. Originally, the shop was located near the intersection of Main Street and Railroad Avenue, but 12 years ago, it was moved to the former Good's Furniture location at 707 W. Main St. "August 2 was our 46th anniversary," said Sherry Duda, who shares general manager duties with Andy Clayton.

The Re-Uzit Shop mission reads, "To serve in the name of Christ by reselling primarily donated items to benefit people locally and globally." Most of the funds raised by Re-Uzit are given to Mennonite Central Committee to aid projects around the world, most recently in Ukraine. A percentage also goes to local ministries, including CrossNet, New Holland Early Learning Center, and Lighthouse Vocational Services. Funds are also donated to the New Holland Police Department, New Holland Ambulance, and Garden Spot Fire Rescue.

Individuals who are interested in becoming board members may bring a resume to the store or email Clayton at andy.clayton@newhollandreuzit.com.

In addition to the staff, about 100 members of the community volunteer at the shop, but more volunteers are always needed. Readers who are interested in volunteering may complete an application at http://www.newhollandreuzit.org. Those who have questions may call 717-354-8355.