By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–Aside from serving as the city of Helena’s welcome center for visitors, the Helena Caboose now offers a free puzzle exchange to anybody interested in trying their skill at a variety of puzzles.

What began last fall as something fun between four people, has now grown into an extensive puzzle collection for those to choose from.

One of those four who got involved with starting the puzzle exchange was Caboose volunteer Ron Holly, who is at The Caboose every day welcoming residents and visitors.

“There was four of us swapping puzzles back and forth and we all had puzzles at home that were extras and didn’t know what to do with,” said Holly. “We have people from Pelham, Alabaster and people from here in Helena so far coming to get puzzles.”

Holly cited one of the reasons for starting the puzzle exchange was to get people away from their phones and electronics for a few minutes so they could sit down and enjoy working a puzzle.

The Caboose is now home to nearly 140 puzzles and growing. The puzzles vary in size and difficulty and some of the puzzles include 500, 750 or 1,000 piece puzzles.

Holly enjoys seeing the different puzzles brought in that includes World War II puzzles, Shapes of America puzzles, holiday puzzles, animal puzzles and more.

“You don’t have to bring any puzzles in if you don’t want to,” said Holly. “You can just get started and get one. I have one lady who brings in five and gets five. The only thing that we ask is that if you donate a puzzle to us, that all the pieces be there. There’s nothing worse than putting together a 1,000-piece puzzle and having one missing.”

Holly said he also enjoys seeing different people come in and discussing their strategies of working a puzzle.

“Some people will sort them by colors, some by shapes and some will do the border of the puzzle first,” said Holly. “I just think it’s a fun thing to do and also relaxing.”

The Helena Caboose is located in Old Town Helena across from the Depot Deli & Grill.