Santa Donates, Shops at Habitat for Humanity ReStores

Posted on December 20, 2012 by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

Santa readies Blitzen for a trip to the Habitat ReStore to donate leftover gifts from Christmas 2011. The birth of Blitzen’s triplets forced Santa to clean out the barn, which resulted in Santa’s first of many donations to the ReStore.

Interview With Habitat for Humanity International ReStore Support Group

RSG: Hi Santa. Thank you for taking the time to speak with me about your involvement with Habitat for Humanity. Tell me, how did you first get involved with Habitat ReStores?

Santa: Well, many years ago, everybody wanted shag carpet in their house. I had quite a few people put ‘shag carpet for living room’ on their Christmas list. So, I had the elves sneak in and take measurements, cut the carpet for a perfect fit and then roll it up real tight so it could fit in the sleigh. Trouble was, at the last minute, a bunch of those folks got themselves put on the naughty list. There I was, stuck with all this shag carpet cut for naughty folks’ living rooms. I threw it in the barn and forgot about it.

RSG: Wow! I didn’t know elves did custom measurements! But you still haven’t told me how this is connected to ReStores.

Santa: So, I had this carpet in the back of the reindeer barn for years. Then, four years ago, Blitzen’s wife had triplets and we needed to make some more space for the little cuties. You ever seen a baby reindeer?

RSG: No, I haven’t, but I can imagine how cute they are – especially triplets!

Santa: So, I needed to get rid of that shag carpet fast and, trust me, it wasn’t on anyone’s Christmas list that year! When I was telling the Mrs. about my problem, she said that she had been talking to Frosty about this walk-in cooler he bought at something called a Habitat ReStore. She remembered him saying something about how they sold all kinds of stuff – anything that people felt like donating. So I got on that worldwide web thing and checked it out.

RSG: And what did you discover?

Santa: Not only are these stores a perfect solution to my problem of excess shag carpet, they are doing good. I was pretty impressed that they take this donated stuff, sell it to folks, and use the money to build houses with families that have ‘A Nice House’ on their Christmas list! It’s amazing!

RSG: So, you donated the carpet?

Santa: Yep. I called my closest ReStore’s donation hotline and they convinced me to load up the sleigh and deliver all this carpet. They said their customers were creative enough that they would figure out something to do with the ‘used-to-be-cool’ shag carpet. A few months later, they sent me a thank you card and a newspaper clipping of a story about the carpet. Turns out, an interior designer bought the lot of it and used it to remodel a trendy bed and breakfast. It actually looked pretty neat.

RSG: Wow, that is a great story!

Santa: Yeah, I was pretty excited that I could turn those naughty folks’ gifts into something good! I am glad Frosty told the Mrs. about the ReStores and I even do a bit of shopping there sometimes. Well, actually I send the elves, as I always cause such a big scene. Movie stars can where big hats and sunglasses, but my belly, beard and rosy cheeks usually give me away. I do, however, do all the donating myself, as I am the only one that can manage a full sleigh. I hate taking people off the nice list, especially after we have their presents ready, but when it happens, it’s great to know that Habitat has a way to turn their bad behavior into affordable housing. Incredible!

RSG: Well, Santa, I am happy to hear that you are both a ReStore donor and customer! Now, how do you feel about volunteering? Maybe you could send the elves. We could use a lot of help repairing furniture or you could ask Frosty to come on down and help test the freezers!?

Santa: You know, my local ReStore asks me about volunteering every time I drop off a donation. You people sure are enthusiastic! I told them that I’d help them do donation pick-ups with the sleigh a few Saturdays per year, but only after they start building Habitat houses with fireplaces. I am tired of sneaking though doors and windows. It really slows me down!

RSG: Hahaha! Well, Santa, it has been great speaking with you. On behalf of the ReStores and all Habitat partner families, thanks for your support. We hope the true joy of Christmas remains with you and yours all year.

Santa: Thank you, and tell all those ReStore folks to keep up the good work! They are doing a great thing.

Adapted from Santa Donates, Shops at Habitat for Humanity ReStores by HFHI ReStore Support Group

3 Ways to Keep the Cycle Going Year Round

Posted on November 28, 2012 by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

Now that winter is here, Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity’s build season is long over. But that doesn’t mean you have to wait until next season to help out Habitat ReStore. In fact, you have many opportunities to support the ReStore year round! Here’s how you can help:

1. Donate new or gently used home improvement items. Acceptable donations include:

Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity ReStore located at 210 11th Street North, Moorhead.

Appliances
Bath fixtures
Cabinets
Doors
Flooring
Furnaces
Furniture
Hardware
Kitchen fixtures
Lighting
Lumber
Paint (new)
Shingles
Tile
Tools
Windows
and more!

2. Volunteer with the ReStore and give back to your community. Volunteers are needed to process donations, assist customers, serve on committees, help with events and clean the store.

3. Shop at the ReStore for home improvement materials at 25% to 75% off retail prices. A large variety of new and gently used materials are available for all types of home projects and renovations. All store proceeds support Habitat programming and the building of affordable housing in Cass and Clay counties.

Contact the ReStore to find out more about how you can shop, donate and volunteer to keep the cycle going, no matter what the season.

Habitat ReStore Celebrates 6th Anniversary—And You’re Invited!

Posted on July 16, 2012 by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

Over the past 6 years, everyone at Habitat ReStore has been working hard to make a difference for people in our local communities and fulfill our mission:

To generate funds to support Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity in building simple, decent, and affordable homes in partnership with families in Cass and Clay counties
To keep usable building materials, home improvement products and appliances out of local landfills
To sell new and gently used home improvement materials and applicances at affordable prices

And over the past 6 years, with the help of generous donors, shoppers, and volunteers, we’ve done just that. This past year, we’ve raised $ 335,327 for Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity and diverted 1,057,687 pounds of usable materials from local landfills! These great accomplishments have positively impacted our community, our partner families, and our environment, and they wouldn’t have been possible without you. That’s why we’re inviting you to celebrate with us!

Handy the Habitat Bear appreciates your support of Habitat ReStore!

Stop by the ReStore from Monday, July 16th through Sunday, July 22nd for our 6^th Anniversary Sale. You’ll find special deals on new and gently used home improvement materials, appliances, and furniture during our biggest sale of the year! Then join us for food and fun at our ReStore Appreciation Picnic on July 20 from 11a-1p. It’s just a small way for us to show you our appreciation—and to kick off many more years of success!

Habitat ReStore is located at 210 11th St. N. in Moorhead and is open Monday – Saturday 10-6, Sundays 12-4. All proceeds from Habitat ReStore support Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity’s programs and local building projects. Material donations are welcome! For more information, call 218-284-5253 x1 or visit our website.

8 New Ways to Go Green this Earth Week!

Posted on April 20, 2012 by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

It’s Earth Week and that means you can expect to see lots of green. But before your unplug your Prius and head to the grocery store with your reusable bags, Habitat ReStore has a list of 8 ways to go green that you probably haven’t heard about.

1. Drive Less

Trading in your car for a bicycle probably isn’t going to happen anytime soon, but that doesn’t mean you can’t reduce your vehicle’s energy use. Think twice about driving to the grocery store a second time this week. Plan your errand routes so that you’re driving the least distance possible. Carpool with a friend to work or the gym.

2. Become a member of a CSA

The distance your food travels from the field to the produce section in your local grocery store is probably greater than you think. Community supported agriculture (CSA) helps reduce transport energy by connecting local farmers with individual consumers. Become a member of a reputable CSA farm and start receiving local fresh goods while saving energy.

3. Buy digital media instead of printed media. (Books, movies, songs, etc.)

Almost every traditional printed media has gone digital. By eliminating manufacturing and shipping costs of printed media – DVDs, CDs, and books – you’ll be saving lots of energy. If you’ve needed a reason to go completely digital, this is it.

4. Buy used instead of new.

Next time you need new clothes, household items, or home improvement materials, think twice about shopping a retail store. Local thrift stores like Habitat ReStore have many of the same gently used items at dramatically reduced prices. As an added bonus, most thrift stores use their revenue to help fund nonprofit organizations, so you can feel good knowing that your money is going towards a good cause.

5. Use a reusable container for morning coffee.

Your morning cup of Joe comes in a disposable cup that always ends up in the trash. Have your favorite barista fill you up using a reusable container. Some coffee shops even give discounts for reusable cups.

6. Switch to LED light bulbs.

Not all light bulbs are created equal. New LED light bulbs can last literally a lifetime and use less energy than fluorescent and incandescent bulbs. LED bulbs have life ranges of 18-46 years and produce clear and bright light.

7. Wash in cold water instead of hot.

Cold water uses less energy than hot water. Wash your clothes in cold water with a concentrated cold-water formulated detergent. Energy savings will start to add up quickly.

8. Stop receiving unsolicited junk mail.

Most of the annoying credit card offers go from mailbox straight to the trash, right? Contact companies that frequently send you junk mail and ask them to stop. You’ll be saving paper resources and the energy the postal service uses to get it to you.

Habitat ReStore is a home improvement thrift store that sells gently new and use home improvement materials, furniture, and appliances to the general public. All proceeds from the store support Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity in building homes and hope in partnership with families in Cass and Clay Counties. To make a tax-deductible donation of materials to Habitat ReStore, bring your donation to 210 11th St. North, Moorhead during store hours or call 218-284-5253 x3 to schedule a donation pick-up. The ReStore is open Monday-Friday from 10-6 and Saturdays 10-4.

Give to the Max Day

Posted on November 15, 2011 by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

There’s no getting around it. Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity is able to build homes for people in need because of great people like you. Our volunteers and donors give of their time, talent and finances to ensure that local families have a bright future. Your gifts matter.

We’re asking you to join with us on November 16 and Give to the Max for your local Habitat affiliate. GiveMN.org is working with nonprofit organizations around the state of Minnesota to help raise as much money as possible for Minnesota nonprofits during their annual 24 hour fundraising drive- known as Give to the Max Day. Last year more than 42,000 donors logged on to GiveMN.org on Give to the Max Day and raised more than $10 million for 3,663 participating nonprofit organizations.

So how do you get involved? Starting at midnight on November 16, visit http://givemn.razoo.comand and type in Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity to make your donation or bookmark our giving page. During Give to the Max Day, you can amplify your giving in a number of ways:

In 2011, Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity is partnering with 5 families to make the dream of homeownership come true.

Matching Gifts! The first $750 in gifts to Habitat will be matched $1 for $1 by Northern Improvement Company and Construction Resource Group-making your donation go even farther!
Win a Golden Ticket! $1,000 will be given to a random donor’s charity every hour. You could be that donor!
Put us on the Leader Board! $15,000, $10,000 and $5,000 prize grants will be awarded to the top three nonprofit organizations (colleges and universities excluded) which receive the most dollars in 24 hours during Give to the Max Day.

Check out http://givemn.razoo.com to learn more about the great ways to benefit Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity. Your gift to Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity will make a huge difference in our ongoing work to provide simple, decent, affordable homes for families in our community.

Get ready, get set, give to the Max on November 16!

What is Habitat ReStore?

Posted on November 8, 2011 by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity ReStore is located in Moorhead at 210 11th Street North.

From contractors looking to decrease costs, to the do-it-yourself enthusiasts, to first-time home buyers turning their new house into a home, the Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity ReStore has something for everyone. Dining room furniture, lighting fixtures, plumbing, paint and appliances, even the proverbial kitchen sink, can be found at the ReStore.

Shoppers experience immediate benefits when purchasing building supplies and appliances at 25-75% off retail price, but the advantages of the ReStore reach far beyond the obvious. Those who shop at – and donate to – the ReStore make a precious impact on the environment, the community and their own homes.

Environment: In the past year alone, those who donated to the ReStore helped divert 993,465 lbs. from the Lake Agassiz area landfills. As the movement to ‘Go Green’ gains momentum, the ReStore continues to be a cornerstone for local recycling and diversion.

Community: Running a landfill costs the community money. The nearly 497 tons of materials that were driven away from local landfills last year translates to a reduction of approximately $15,000 in local tax dollars. Donating to the ReStore also allows contractors to save on ever-increasing landfill and disposable fees and provides a place for businesses to bring unneeded materials and overstock supplies.

Community members who shop at the ReStore are given the unique opportunity to maintain their property when they otherwise may not have been able to afford any home repairs. When individual property is maintained, neighborhoods are stronger, overall pride rises in the community and the entire city becomes a better place to live.

Individuals: As tax season approaches, those who have donated to the ReStore feel another advantage. All proceeds from the ReStore go towards furthering Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity’s mission of building houses for local families in need, which qualifies the organization as a 501c (3) non-profit. As such, all donations made to the Lake Agassiz ReStore are tax deductable.

Individual volunteers work at the Habitat ReStore in Moorhead.

Individuals who volunteer are an invaluable part of the successful operations of the ReStore. The Lake Agassiz ReStore is thankful to have a compassionate group of people that donate their time and energy, and many volunteers say the feeling is mutual. ReStore volunteers get to know their neighbors, solve problems, see benefits and know they had a hand in making positive change.

So whether one’s reasons for donating and shopping at the ReStore are obvious or intangible, they support the greater good of individuals, the community and the environment – and the Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity ReStore is thankful for all the support.

Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity ReStore is located in Moorhead at 210 N. 11^th St. and is open weekdays from 10am – 6pm and Saturdays from 10 am – 4pm.

Building Homes, Building Hope

Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity: building simple, decent, affordable homes since 1991.

Tag Archives: Donation