To volunteer with Atlanta ReStore, go to www.atlantahabitat.org/restore-volunteer
A 10,000 square-foot building on Memorial Drive supports the mission of Atlanta Habitat for Humanity. Dan Maddox, the executive vice president and chief operating officer of ReStore, wants the people of Atlanta to think of it next time they consider projects around their home.
ReStore opened its doors in 2001 as a revenue source for Atlanta Habitat for Humanity. The proceeds from the home goods and hardware store support the mission of the long-standing nonprofit that builds quality homes for working families.
Everything in ReStore is donated by local companies and local residents. “Nothing goes to waste,” said Maddox. “Our goal is not only to sell really good items and materials at a reasonable cost, but this also helps keep perfectly good items out of landfills.”
The store recycles everything from donated furniture and appliances to bathroom and kitchen fittings and the cost of items is reduced by at least 40 percent and then resold to the public, which includes the families Habitat for Humanity builds homes for . The money raised helps to support the Atlanta branch which has built 1,300 homes in the city of Atlanta since its founding in 1983.
The money raised helps not only support the home build, but also the nonprofit’s 12-month education program that teaches families financing, budgeting, volunteering and how to maintain their first home.
Apart from a small staff, ReStore wants more and more volunteers to help continue its mission. “We really need volunteers on a consistent basis, especially from Mondays to Fridays,” said Maddox. “If you have free time during the week, we can certainly use all the help.” Volunteers can help in various ways whether it’s loading, sales, deliveries or greeting customers.
Ernestine Carlisle, retired from the Army, found ReStore as a treasure trove for not only things for her home but to meet new people and learn their stories. “I have met so many people who shop here, met families who benefittied from (Habitat for Humanity) and the place is very fulfilling,” Carlisle said. “It is really a step for people who are trying hard.”
Since its opening, the Atlanta ReStore has raised more than $2 million for Atlanta Habitat for Humanity and diverted more than 7,000 tons of materials from landfills.
In other news: Siuprem Inc., an insurance company based in Alpharetta, presented a check to the American Cancer Society for $57,257 as a part of its $55,000 pledge for the nonprofit's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk held in October. The monies raised will support breast cancer programs and research towards a cure for breast cancer. Over 190 people also represented Siuprem in the annual walk.
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