With five days to go, staff are stocking the shelves, getting the display cases ready, sorting the bricks and putting the finishing touches on a new business and retail space called “Brick It Again” a Lego® resale store run by Jawonio, the non-profit provider of lifespan services for people with special needs.
The idea for the store, it’s mission and the “Brick it Again” name is the brainchild of Jawonio CEO Randi Rios-Castro. Next week, the vision becomes reality with the Grand Opening of “Brick it Again” on March 28th, 11am, 7 Lake Ridge Plaza, Valley Cottage, NY.
A store manager has been hired and will oversee staff. Store staff will be sorting, washing, packaging, and ringing up sales along with day-to-day customer service responsibilities. Store hours will be Wednesday through Sunday, 10am to 7pm. Future plans include hosting children’s birthday parties as well as other special events throughout the year. From March 28th through April 30th, customers who make a purchase will be entered into a raffle to win a free Brick it Again birthday party.
“A project of this magnitude could not have happened without the funding and award of $300,000 dollars from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, said Rios-Castro. “As previous grantees, we are honored and grateful for their ongoing belief in our mission and investment in our work”.
Rios-Castro continued: “I cannot say enough about our amazing Brick It Again project team who have done a phenomenal job in preparation for the store opening and operations. We invite everyone in the community to come in, have fun and play. At the heart of our mission for the store is to provide vocational and employment opportunities for individuals with special needs to achieve their highest levels of independence.”
Prior to the opening and throughout the year Jawonio is seeking donations of new and used Lego® and Duplo products for the store. If you would like to donate, please call 845.839.7032 or email info@brickitagain.org.
