RIFLE - LIFT-UP of Garfield County will be beased out of brand new headquarters in Rifle when the facility opens its doors on Saturday.

Construction of the new building at 1800 Railroad Ave. began a little more than a year ago on the property the nonprofit organization purchased nearly two years ago. The current LIFT-UP office is at 800 Railroad Ave.

"We're going to have a 'very' grand opening the day we open," said Mike Powell, executive director for LIFT-UP. "We hope it will be a fun event."

A new elevator was scheduled to be installed last week as well as re-paving of the parking lot. The new building will house the LIFT-UP thrift store on the main floor, with administrative offices upstairs. The food pantry and services will be located in the building next door.

"It's going to be great - we're really looking forward to it," Powell said. "We think this will really lift up LIFT-UP. It's coming along, and it's just a stone's throw away from opening."

LIFT-UP is still taking donations to the thrift store, but requests that contributors call and ask first to see if the items can be used. All donations must be clean and in good working order.

Hours of the thrift store have not yet been pinpointed, but the building is expected to be open during the week, some evenings and on Saturdays, Powell said.

For more information about LIFT-UP or to make a donation, call 625-4888.