April 2011

The Newnan ReStore serves residents of both Fayette and Coweta counties. Photo: Lee Dodds.

There’s a lot going on at the ReStore in Newnan. It’s a major, ongoing fundraiser for Newnan-Coweta Habitat for Humanity (NCHFH). It literally keeps tons of materials out of local landfills, so it’s great for the environment. And it provides a wide variety of supplies at affordable prices for both professionals and amateurs with building, remodeling, and decorating projects.

Fayette and Coweta residents are fortunate to have a ReStore in the area because not all Habitat affiliates operate one.

Housing Mission

Founded in 1994, NCHFH is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, which works with those in need (Partner Families) to build or renovate decent, affordable housing. Volunteers and donors provide labor and materials, and Partner Families devote hundreds of hours to working on their own homes and those for others. The houses are sold at no profit and no interest, and the mortgage payments are used to build more houses for additional families.

Applicants for the Partner Families program at NCHFH can come from Coweta County or within the city limits of Brooks, Fayetteville, Peachtree City, or Tyrone.

The ReStore in Newnan grew out of a yard sale staged in 2001 by Clarence (C.J.) Sheppard and several other NCHFH volunteers to raise funds for the group. He still volunteers at the ReStore. “I do it because I am very passionate about Habitat’s mission.”

ReDuce, ReUse, ReCycle…ReStore

“Recycling is another important mission of the ReStore,” observes manager Sharon Hazel. “In this age of ‘Going Green,’ we want people to keep us in mind. If you’re thinking about taking an item to the landfill, remember our motto: Don’t Dump It…Donate It! We’re proud to have helped reuse or repurpose over 664 tons of materials to date.”

A special section of the NCHFH website (www.nchfh.org) called “I ReStored It” offers photos and comments from customers about favorite projects. You’ll find everything from a shadow box made into a special mirror frame to a complete bathroom remodel. There’s also a full-sized greenhouse built from $1 windows.

The ReStore also recycles aluminum cans, cardboard, cell phones, ink cartridges, plastics, and other items. Call 770-252-4061 for details.

Volunteering

Volunteers are crucial to the success of the ReStore. They work as cashiers, provide customer service, and assist in the office. They help with stocking shelves, pick up and delivery of donations, and merchandise pricing and display. Most volunteers are individuals, but some come as groups, among them employees of UPS and members from Newnan Church of Christ and SouthCrest Church.

John McGee started out as a ReStore donor, but was recruited when staff noted his skill in assembling an entertainment center he brought in. “We told him we were in great need of someone with his woodworking talent and knowledge. Now he helps us repair furniture,” Sharon Hazel recalls. McGee notes, “I give my time to Habitat because I know a high percentage of the funds raised stays in the area, going to support the mission and not towards high administrative costs and salaries.”

“In our retirement years, we aren’t physically able to work on a build of a home,” explain Larry and Rita Wilson. “But we can give back just as much by volunteering at the ReStore to help raise the funds for builds.” They’ve logged 4,500+ hours by working at the ReStore three mornings a week.

Another “power couple” among the volunteers is Mitch and Wanda Huguley. “They’ve put in over 2,300 hours,” reports Hazel. “Wanda is one of our most dedicated weekly cashiers, and Mitch does just about anything we ask of him. He’s my right hand man when I’m out of the office. He also has countless unrecorded hours spent on creating and updating our website.”

The ReStore gives volunteers a chance to get to know other volunteers, among them some of the Habitat Family Partners. (The Family Partners program includes a “Helping Others” component involving volunteerism.) As withthe Habitat builds, volunteers welcome the personal element of actually meeting those they’re helping. “I really enjoy working side by side with our Family Partners and with the other dedicated volunteers,” says C.J. Sheppard.

For some of the volunteers at the ReStore, working there can help them as they help others. “We offer great opportunities for gaining training and valuable work experience, references, and knowledge and various skills,” observes Hazel.

Volunteers also enjoy store discounts and an annual appreciation dinner.

To volunteer, call 770-252-9049, extension 14 to schedule a time, or complete the form on the website (www.nchfh.org) and someone will contact you. The next volunteer training sessions are May 13 and 14.

Shopping

The ReStore is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. It offers a wide variety of new or gently-used home furnishings and decor, appliances, fixtures, hardware, tools, and building materials. (See “Sampler” at right.) Individuals, builders, and companies shop at the ReStore.

“You never know what you might find. Our inventory changes constantly, with new arrivals daily,” says Sharon Hazel. “You can find almost anything you need for renovating or redecorating a house. Probably our bestselling items are furniture, appliances, and cabinets.” The website (www.nchfh.org) has a number of photos with typical scenes in different departments.

Although there are plenty of bargains at the ReStore, that doesn’t translate to a no-frills, hard-slog shopping experience. The store is spacious (nearly 25,000 square feet) and well lighted. Staff can help with questions. The extensive inventory is carefully organized. All the items are in good working condition. “We test all lighting, electrical items, and appliances before placing them on the sales floor,” continues Hazel. (The only exception is natural gas appliances, which can’t be tested completely. If such an item turns out not to work, an exchange can be made within seven days.)

If you have a “wish list,” you can leave your name, phone number, and description of the item(s) at the register. ReStore will let you know when something comes in.

Every 4-6 weeks, the ReStore holds a storewide sale. Shoppers can get advance notice of the sales, plus occasional coupons and other special offers, by going to the website and signing up for the ReStore mailing list. Selected items are for sale online via the DiggersList link.

The website also includes customer feedback. There’s praise for the stock as “good quality, useful, and money saving” and “highly recommended” for bargains. “It’s like going on a treasure hunt! You can always find something for your home, business, or hobby at the ReStore.” The staff/volunteers are “VERY helpful,” “a pleasure” to work with, and “very prompt in calling when they receive an item we put on the wish list.”

Donating

ReStore donors, like ReStore shoppers, include  individuals, builders, and companies who provide a wide
variety of items. For example, someone might bring in cabinets and countertops from a kitchen remodel, or a builder or other business might donate overstocked, misordered, or leftover furnishings or building materials.

“Our inventory comes strictly from donations — we don’t buy products for resale — so we need, well, everything!” Sharon Hazel says with a smile. “If I had to mention just one item we need more of, it would be appliances.”

What’s the most unusual recent donation to the ReStore? “Ten thousand toilet seats. Really. We’re trying to figure out how to share them with other ReStores in Georgia.”

Donations should be new or gently used. See the website (www.nchfh.org) for special requirements on a few items (e.g., dishwashers must be less than five years old and paint and insulation products must be new) and a list of items not accepted (among them drapes, carpet padding, and chemicals). Or call 770-252-4061 for more information on donating.

The website also has a “wish list” for donations to the ReStore itself (truck, fork lift), to the store or general offices (vacuum cleaner, laptop, PowerPoint projector), and to Habitat builds (selected power and hand tools, drywall lift, new building materials).

Donations can be dropped off at the ReStore Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. (Note that’s a half-hour before closing.) For information on pick up, call 770-252-4061. You can also fill out the form on the website and someone from the ReStore will contact you.

Another way to support the ReStore is to help feed the volunteers, either by preparing or buying lunches or donating food or money. There are usually about 15 people to be served per lunch. If you or your company or group would be interested, send an email to nicole.echevarria@nchfh.org or call 770-252-9049, extension 14.

For More Information

THE RESTORE

150 Pine Rd, Newnan

Store Hours: Tuesdays through Saturdays, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Donation Drop-Off: Tuesdays through Saturdays, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm

Website: www.nchfh.org

Store Phone: 770-252-4061

Volunteering: 770-252-9049, ext. 14

Email: Sharon Hazel, Manager, at sharonhazel@nchfh.org

NEWNAN-COWETA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

Website: www.nchfh.org

Phone: 770-252-9049, ext. 15

A ReStore Sampler

The ReStore offers a huge array of building materials, appliances, and home furnishings. The stock is always changing, but here are some typical items.

• Doors (interior/exterior and storm/screen)
• Posts and columns
• Windows and screens
• Blinds
• Stained glass
• Mantels
• Light fixtures and accessories
• Ceiling fans
• Sofas
• Chairs
• Tables
• Desks
• China cabinets
• Chests and bureaus
• Kitchen cabinets and countertops
• Kitchen and bathroom sinks
• Kitchen appliances
• Home electronics
• Hardback and paperback books
• Framed pictures
• Decorative accents
• Bed frames
• Nightstands
• Toilets, showers, and bathtubs
• Plumbing fixtures
• Wallpaper and other wall coverings
• Wood and vinyl flooring
• Power, hand, and garden tools
• Wire, plugs, and plates
• Plumbing hardware
• General hardware
• Paints and stains (interior and exterior)
• Tile
• Lumber (framing, trim, pressure treated) and plywood
• Sheetrock
• Vinyl siding
• Cinderblocks and bricks/pavers
• Pipe (pvc/metal/copper)
• Roofing materials and gutters
• Vents
• Lawn mowers

A Volunteer’s Story: What Volunteering for Habitat Means to Me

By Catherine Richardson

Habitat for Humanity is a wonderful organization that has taught me how to give back to my community. The Habitat process creates a fresh start for deserving families.

I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful process and see the joy brought to each of the families that Habitat serves.

I was able to take part in a build project and it opened my eyes to the guiding principle that even if we give just a little of our time and energy, it can go a long way toward helping people. The houses that Habitat builds give great hope to families who need a new start.

I think it is very meaningful that the families themselves participate in the builds and are part of the process. As a volunteer, it is so much more meaningful to actually meet and work alongside the families that will move into the new home after the build is completed. Meeting them and talking with them was one of the greatest experiences I had at Habitat.

Habitat has also renewed my spirit. Being able to have the tremendous satisfaction of giving back has taught me so much about myself and the community we live in. The experiences I had at Habitat helped me branch out and volunteer in other active projects in the community. I look forward to continuing this renewal of my spirit and growth as an active member of my community by serving others through my volunteer work.

A Partner Family’s Story: Habitat Made My Dream Come True

By Heather Inman

Habitat for Humanity — it’s really hard to describe all that Habitat truly is. They are so much more than I can really express in so many words. But I’ll try.

They are a blessing and a light in your darkest storm. They were like my fairy Godmother, if such a thing exists. They made my dream come true.

They see the human in you, not your FICO score or that you missed a few payments here and there. They see what the big bank doesn’t see. They see the heart in you, your willingness to try and work your way to reach a better place.

They give a hand up, not a handout, and they love you the whole way. They are the epitome of God’s love. They follow the golden rule: “Do unto others as you’d have them do unto you.” As we all should, with one another every day.

They give you so much more than a house — they give you and your family a home to fill with love.

God bless Habitat.