Shelly’s Redemption Center is on the move!

Five years ago, Shelly Forrest opened up in Tioga Center as Shelly’s Redemption Center, a can and bottle collection site. Now, and after establishing herself in the community, she is relocating her business over to River Road in Nichols, and in the former garage located near the intersection in town. 

We caught up with Forrest last week to learn more about the move, which she stated will allow her more space, and is more accessible for her customers. “We are still offering the same service,” said Forrest, “just at a new location.”

Paying 6 cents on a 5-cent deposit, Shelly’s Redemption Center tries to remain competitive with what others are offering, and she also extends herself into the community – most recently at St. Baldrick’s in Candor where she collected the recycling during the annual event. The collection, she noted, is for charity.

She also noted that her business began with workplace humor. She described how she worked at Sanmina for many years, and periodically they would sort cans and donate the money to the American Cancer Society.

Forrest recalled looking at a co-worker at Sanmina one day, joking, “I’m going to quit and do this.” Little did Forrest know that in a few years, that is exactly what she would be doing.

After being laid off from Sanmina she took a small break, but soon opened as Shelly’s Redemption Center in Tioga Center. According to Forrest, she does can drives and pick-ups. 

“I do a lot of community fundraisers for different charities,” she added.

Now, she will have more room and the capacity to process even more cans and bottles, and will continue her fundraising efforts, too. To learn more, you can contact Shelly’s Redemption Center by calling (607) 972-5398.