Someone celebrated Christmas by breaking into Oddz & Endz, a 501(c) (3) nonprofit resale store operated wholly by volunteers whose mission is to make a difference in the community by offering the sale of used furniture and household goods at affordable prices.
The thief, or thieves, broke a small window and slithered through it and into the store, finding the cash box, emptying it and walking out the front door, said EvaLyn Carlson, one of five volunteer coordinators who runs the business with six other non-paid community members who help out.
“They didn’t take anything else. Just the cash and we don’t keep much cash on hand,” Carlson said.
“Whoever did it came on Christmas day or Christmas night because we were there the next day and discovered the robbery,” Carlson added.
Located on Highway 61 two miles west of Grand Marais, Oddz & Endz is housed in the former Howling Wolf building. The business accepts donated household goods and furniture, craft items, books and other worn but useful items and sells them at a good price, with the sales of those products redistributed to Cook County nonprofits.
Last year Oddz & Endz donated $20,000 to 19 nonprofits in the county.
When contacted, the Cook County Sheriff ’s Office said at this time they have no comment because the case is an ongoing investigation.
“This is a sad thing,” Carlson said. “Whoever did this took from the entire community. If they needed something, they could have come and asked for help. That’s why we are here.”
The store is typically open Mondays and Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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