See Use Again Plans Oct. 10 Workshop At Urbana Reuse Shop

See Use Again is preparing an Oct. 10 comic-making workshop at its Urbana shop, where donated materials support creative reuse. Owner Meg McDonald combines secondhand sales with organization services and free rentals of tools and mobility aids.

McDonald started the business in her garage in December 2025 before opening at Urbana’s Brookens Center in May. The shop accepts donated supplies and hosts artists willing to use 70 percent reusable or secondhand materials in workshops.

See Use Again Combines Donations And Organization

McDonald said unwanted belongings can cause emotional and mental pain when people have too much or cannot organize them. She views reuse and organization as a way to help people feel better in their spaces.

Reusable craft supplies displayed in a green crate at See Use Again.

In The News-Gazette’s business report, McDonald criticized the continual production of seasonal goods. She argued that many existing tools, supplies and other items remain usable.

“There is enough stuff for multiple creative reuse stores, thrift stores, secondhand stores,” McDonald said.

See Use Again accepts art and office supplies, bike parts, cameras, CDs, DVDs, mobility aids, puzzles, tools and vinyl records. Hygiene items and clothing are among the goods McDonald does not accept.

She directs people with hygiene donations to the CLU-W Hygiene Pantry of Champaign County, also at the Brookens Center. Salt and Light is another alternative she recommends.

For organization work, McDonald begins with a free consultation at a prospective client’s home. The visit typically takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

McDonald said that is usually enough time to assess the situation and describe a plan. If hired, her hourly rates start at $50.

Borrowing Offers An Alternative To Buying

See Use Again also provides free rentals of tools and mobility aids such as crutches and wheelchairs. McDonald said customers have particularly appreciated the mobility-aid library.

Customers can rent or buy those items, depending on their needs. McDonald noted that some injuries are temporary and that people may lack storage space for equipment afterward.

She said the rental option helps avoid pushing unwanted or burdensome items into people’s lives. McDonald also described her prices as very affordable.

Organization clients sometimes choose to donate belongings to See Use Again. McDonald called that arrangement a “win-win” and said she enjoys helping people feel better at home.

Artists Will Teach With Reused Materials

The upcoming “How to Make a Comic” workshop will feature Sophie McMahan on Oct. 10. McDonald said workshops allow artists to teach while bringing together people who enjoy creating.

McDonald described the shop as a place where visitors do not have to make a purchase. She said people are still learning how to socialize in person after the COVID-19 lockdown.

Related small-business coverage includes Long Beach’s business grants. Separate reports examine hands-on skills in trade schools and consumer confidence and high prices.