It’s been part of the Marshall area community for close to 40 years. Now, the Avera Marshall Thrift Store will be changing hands.

Avera Marshall and the Marshall Area YMCA announced Monday that the Y will be taking over operations of the Thrift Store effective May 4. The Thrift Store will continue operating at its current location on East main Street during the transition.

“We’re hoping to make this transition in the next couple months,” said Cindy Rosa, CEO of the Marshall Area YMCA.

“As the health care industry becomes increasingly complex, we must focus our time, resources and energy on our core mission of delivering high-quality health care services to the communities we serve,” said Debbie Streier, Avera Marshall Regional President and CEO. “The Thrift Store has an incredible 38-year legacy, and we are grateful it will continue in the capable hands of a trusted community partner.”

The Avera Marshall Thrift Store opened in 1987, on the main hospital campus. In 2007, the store moved out to space near the corner of East Main Street and Southview Drive.

The Thrift Store currently has 21 part-time and casual staff, and 7.2 full-time equivalent employees, said Avera Marshall communications partner Stacy Neubeck.

Monday’s announcement said the Marshall Area YMCA plans to operate the Thrift Store with a volunteer-supported model, with a paid manager. As part of the transition, the paid staff positions with Avera Marshall will come to an end. Avera Marshall said affected employees are being invited to apply for open positions elsewhere in the organization, and will receive support through the transition.

“We are deeply grateful to the Thrift Store team for the meaningful impact they have made over the years,” Streier said. “Their commitment to service has strengthened the spirit of generosity in Marshall.”

Rosa said that, for the YMCA, talks about possibly taking on operations of the Thrift Store started last fall. “Our board of directors began discussing it at the end of 2025,” she said.

The board researched the idea, and found that there are some Armed Services YMCAs and YWCAs that have operated thrift stores, Rosa said.

The Thrift Store is a valuable resource for area residents, as well as for community groups, Rosa said.

“We wanted to keep it in the community,” she said.

Operating the Thrift Store would also be a chance for the Y to get out into the community.

“The history and purpose of the YMCA is rooted in community outreach,” Rosa said. “We are honored to continue the Thrift Store’s long tradition of service. This transition allows us to extend our mission beyond our walls and further support individuals and families in our community.”