Either way, volunteers have responded in large numbers to help get the Good Shepherd Thrift Shop and Food Bank moved from its longtime spot at 302 E. Fourth St. a couple blocks to the east to 423 E. Fourth St.

“Every day there was a work day, people showed up from everywhere to work,” said retired engineer Rick Reischman, who is helping with the move. “It’s not unusual to have 40 people show up.

“All you have to say is ‘we’re going to clean up the basement or pull the floor tile’ and everybody shows up. That’s been pretty cool.”

Reischman has helped to coordinate various inspections of the building to ensure its up to code.

Scott Breuer with Capital Electric has helped with electrical work, while Bob Gepner and his crew have assisted with testing for asbestos, mildew and other substances, Reischman said. Steve Chellgren, who has retrofitted warehouses, offered his expertise on the project as well. LADD also has offered services. Vic McEachron, Jim Smith, Steve Hughes, Hubert Kettler and Dale Walker are some others who have offered their abilities to the volunteer effort.

The new location covers 9,300 square feet, an increase of about 2,300 from the existing facility, which spans two levels.

With a predominately elderly volunteer staff, Stuke said the future site being on one level would be ideal for staff and handicapped shoppers and clients.

Some new walls have been constructed inside the building to separate the sale floor from the receiving and sorting area. A large doorway was built into the wall.

The former Bichelmeyer’s Steakhouse banquet room is south of the restaurant and is part of the property Good Shepherd purchased.

Work soon will begin on building an office and conference room in that area. The remaining space will be used for a showroom, Stuke said.

The most northern area of the building will be the new home for the food bank. Stuke is coordinator for the pantry as well as the lead volunteer for the new building plans.

The current pantry is cramped, but the back room at the new location will be transformed into a more spacious spot for food donations.

Good Shepherd has added a refrigerator and upright freezer, two purchases made possible through the Pete and Margaret Leighty Grant Fund, a local trust that provides money annually for various projects to organizations and residents who apply.

Good Shepherd purchased the building in February for about $72,000. The organization is putting another $25,000 into the building for plumbing work, as well as a heating and cooling system.

The group will need to put another $30,000 into the building for roof repairs.

Stuke said Good Shepherd purchased the building through private donations specifically earmarked for a new building. There still is money in that fund for the plumbing and heating and cooling work, but roof repairs might require other means to fund.

“We might need to do a little begging and go to the bank then,” Stuke said.

Good Shepherd will put its current property up for sale once it moves into the new locale, she said.

Plenty of work still remains, but community members will have a chance to see the progress and hear more about the project with the next Tonganoxie Chamber of Commerce coffee meeting, slated for 8 a.m. Oct. 9 at the thrift shop’s new location.

“There’s been a lot of community support,” Stuke said. “It’s amazing who has come forward to give their expertise in so many areas.”

Reischman said he’s excited to see new life in a vacant storefront.

“You just hate to see these abandoned downtown buildings,” he said.