To the editor:

Thank you to the hundreds of volunteers who have given of their time and talents to create the Avera Thrift Store over the years. You have done a fabulous job and provided affordable items and clothing to the Marshall and surrounding areas.

Unfortunately, on Tuesday, March 28, these amazing volunteers were informed they will no longer be needed. According to information provided by Avera Leadership they will be hiring staff to run the Thrift Store.

The volunteers at the Thrift Store were a benefit for so many in our community.

• Senior Citizens who wanted to donate their time and energy to a cause, could gather in fellowship and friendship to be of service to others.

• The citizens of Marshall and the surrounding area had a place to get quality items and clothing at reasonable prices.

• The citizens of Marshall had a local worthwhile place to donate their unneeded items.

I am personally trying to make sense of the changes being made at the Avera Thrift Store. I would love to hear why Avera wants to hire help when they had volunteers who wanted to serve our community in such a loving way.

Sheryl Kaiser

Marshall