don ’ t reflect the style of your new décor may be the perfect item for someone else . If you ’ re planning a remodel , you may want to consider talking to your contractor about taking down old furnishings and materials , so they remain in good condition for sale at ReStore .
There are a few rules to keep in mind when donating . First , if the item is not new , it needs to be in good , working condition . Second , remember to bring the hardware and all the pieces along with items such as a ceiling fan or toilet , so Habitat or a ReStore customer has everything needed to use it . ReStore accepts paint donations , but it must be a full can and must never have been stored in belowfreezing temperatures . No upholstered items are accepted and ReStore reserves the right to refuse any item , either during a dropoff or at a pick-up . More guidelines are available at habitaterie . org . If you have questions about a specific item , call 814.454.7025 , ext . 103 or ext . 110 .
New Inventory Every Week ! Because there ’ s no predicting what people will donate , what you ’ ll find at ReStore week after week does change . And it changes fast .
The thrill of the hunt for the perfect item at a bargain price has some people lining up at opening time , and some “ regulars ” coming back week after week . The store has a no-refund policy , with exceptions for items such as hard-wired light fixtures that can ’ t be tested before going out on the store floor ; they can be returned for in-store credit . But getting something home and finding out it doesn ’ t work is rare .
You may wish to return home to take measurements or doublecheck whether you can use an item . In those cases , ReStore allows you to put a two-hour hold on an item to make sure it will work for your project .
It ’ s also important to remember that prices are firm — no haggling — but items are definitely priced to sell . For example , a typical interior door is $ 10.95 .
People come from all over the region to shop at and donate to ReStore , with customers recently traveling from Meadville , Cochranton , Springfield , and Ashtabula , Ohio . Milkowski says that some customers even return to ReStore with photos of their projects , sometimes using the items they purchased in unexpected ways . “ Artists use tile for mosaics , and school plays use items for their sets and sometimes donate them back to ReStore ,” she notes .
Make a Difference
When you find a bargain at ReStore , a nice way to say thanks is to help fund Habitat ’ s work by putting your change ( or a few bills ) in the can on the counter , or rounding up before completing your credit card transaction .
ReStore asks that you do one more thing when you shop or donate to ReStore : tell your friends and neighbors about it . Milkowski says that just as Habitat for Humanity homes can spark revitalization within neighborhoods , ReStore also helps the Eriearea community transform .
“ Selling materials at affordable prices increases the number of people who can do repairs or updates . It starts a ripple effect in their neighborhoods ,” she explains . “ We love to be busy with good , quality donations — it becomes a win-win-win for the donor , shopper , and mission !”
For more information on Greater Erie Area Habitat for Humanity , like the organization ’ s Facebook page , facebook . com / habitaterie , and follow it on Twitter @ habitaterie . n
Other Ways to Help Habitat for Humanity During and After the Pandemic
Donate : Greater Erie Area Habitat for Humanity welcomes monetary contributions , donations of land or property , bequests , honorariums and memorials , and donations of items on its wish list , which is found on the organization ’ s website , habitaterie . org .
Corporate Sponsorship and Workplace Giving : Your business can sponsor an entire project or a day of building . It is a great team-building activity . You can also help by matching donations from your employees and holding designated collections . Your business can also hold a special ReStore collection event for the convenience of your employees and the benefit of Habitat ’ s mission .
Fundraisers : It ’ s a great time to help Habitat to replenish its building fund by sponsoring or volunteering to help with fundraising events , such as the “ Swing for Habitat ” golf tournament in August or the annual Hard Hat Celebrity Bartending Happy Hour .
Join a Committee : Behind the scenes , 10 committees work to advance Erie Habitat for Humanity ’ s mission . The organization is looking for people to serve on its Church Relations , Site Selection , and Family Partnership committees . You may also have the skills and expertise to contribute to the Construction , Family Selection , Finance , Marketing , “ Fun ” d Raising , Governance , and ReStore committees . Contact Nancy Milkowski at 814.454.7025 , ext . 104 , or nancy @ habitaterie . org for more information .
Refer a Family : If you know a family who might be a good candidate for the Habitat for Humanity program , now is a great time to start the conversation . Prospective Applicant Orientation Sessions are usually held seasonally . Interested families may call 814.454.7025 , ext . 107 , for more information about the next session .
MILLCREEK ❘ SUMMER 2021 37