Goodwill begins to restock kids' items

In early February, 16 Goodwill Industries stores in four states pulled children's toys and clothes off shelves to make sure those under the age of 12 are protected from any items with lead or lead products in them.

This decision was based on information from the governments' Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act. Those clothes and toys were put in storage.

However, the sorting process has begun and some of the children's items are reappearing in the stores.

"We've got kids stuff back on shelves and we're selling," said Barb Messelhiser, assistant manager of Goodwill Industries in Le Mars.

According to Goodwill Industries spokesperson Paul Kellen, the store employees are restocking the children's shelves with items that are lead-free, according to their research.

"We're putting things systematically back on the shelves," Kellen said. "It's the snaps, buckles, zippers -- anything with a metal component -- that could be a problem."

Those items, along with painted toys that children 2 and under might chew on, are staying in storage until the government gives further direction on what is safe, he said.

"We're waiting for further guidance," Kellen said. "Once again, safety is first and foremost."

The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act comes from the government entity that sets recalls for consumer products that may be hazardous or cause injuries.