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Lyons Community Foundation Spotlight on Lyons ReRuns
Redstone Review
December 19, 2014
By Kristen Bruckner

During this holiday season, many of us are our focused on giving, sharing and doing for others.  One local Lyons retailer has a business model that centers entirely on these concepts.  Lyons ReRuns, located on Main Street in downtown Lyons sells gently used adult and children’s clothing and equipment, shoes, sporting goods, house wares and books.  Not only does this provide an outlet for area residents to purge themselves of unwanted items, but  the proceeds from sales go right back into the community through the Lyons Community Foundation. 

Ellen Hine and Gabry Cornell started Lyons ReRuns after they discovered their mutual interest in making Lyons more sustainable.  Ellen explains “I was telling someone how I thought it would be great if you didn’t have to drive to Longmont or Boulder every time you needed a pair or pants or a jacket“.  Gabry had also been exploring ways to reuse and recycle as well as an interest in giving back to the community.  When the two met, Lyons ReRuns was born.  They originally opened their shop just east of town, but through a “generous lease” offered by landlord John Burke, they moved into the heart of Lyons in 2008.  By being in a downtown, central location, the shop gets a lot foot traffic, tourists, and often serves as community hub and place to get information about town. 

“Lyons residents come from all different socioeconomic backgrounds, but everyone can shop as well as donate to ReRuns” says local mom Jessica Kutrumbos.  “Also, ReRuns is teaching our kids that recycling is cool, and that we can all share what we have”.   Indeed, during the aftermath of the flood, ReRuns provided an avenue for neighbors helping neighbors, accepting a variety of donations and offering necessities to those who lost so much at little to no cost.   

ReRuns has also expanded their offerings to meet the needs of residents.  With Lyons growing youth population, there is a great call to have a local source for gifts for kids birthday parties.  They now offer “Melissa and Doug” brand toys, puzzles and art supplies at prices below suggested retail.  There are also unique gift items like the “flood books” created by Lyons Elementary School children. 

Not only does this shop fill a need in town, but it also provides support for the Lyons Community Foundation.  When the LCF was established, ReRuns became a founding contributor and they continue to donate its proceeds directly to support its work.   Since 2008, ReRuns has given close to $30,000.  By donating used clothing and gear in addition to shopping at ReRuns, residents are providing funding for things right here in town such as the food pantry, public art and music, and academic enrichment in local schools.  Monique Sawyer-Lang, LCF chair emphasizes “we are so grateful to the support that ReRuns has provided to the LCF.  Not only do Ellen and Gabry offer a great service to Lyons residents, but their work goes back into helping the community at large”. 

Lyons ReRuns is open at 437 Main Street every day 11-4 except Mondays and accepts donations during business hours.  Donations of new and gently used clothing, books and small house wares are welcome. Due to space constraints, ReRuns cannot accept large furniture, appliances or electronics.  Items ReRuns cannot sell are forwarded to other local charities.

The Lyons Community Foundation exists to improve the quality of life, build a culture of giving, and encourage positive change in the greater Lyons area.  The LCF is gratefully accepting year-end tax deductible contributions that may be applied to Community Support Grants, Flood Relief/Rebuild Lyons, or Scholarships.   For more information or to make a donation please visit www.lyonscf.org or call  720.29LYONS. 

Kristen Bruckner is the communications specialist for the Lyons Community Foundation.  She lives in Lyons with her husband and three children.  

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