Tag Archives: Home Improvement

Kickoff With Great Savings at ReStore

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Football season starts this week – but before the games start, kickoff the action at Habitat ReStore. Come to the ReStore kickoff sale from Sept. 3-8 and save big on many gently-used home improvement materials that will help you tackle your next project:

  • Televisions – 75% off
  • Microwaves – 50% off
  • Couches – 50% off
  • Stoves – 50% off
  • Entertainment Centers – 25% off
  • Windows – 25% off
  • Lighting – 25% off

Plus, stop in to enter and win up to $50 by correctly choosing the winning teams from the first week of games. Simply select which teams you think will win each Sunday and Monday game. Then, you’ll be entered to win a gift card of $10, $25 and $50 to use at the ReStore.

Do you still need help getting into spirit for the season?  Stop by ReStore on Friday, September 7th for ReStore’s first ever Tailgating Party.  For a free-will offering, there will be tasty treats from noon to 2pm and great deals all week long.

But remember, no matter what team you’re rooting for, you can always be assured all proceeds from Habitat ReStore support Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity in our mission of building affordable homes in Cass and Clay counties.

Learn New Skills While Volunteering with Habitat!

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Are you interested in getting involved with Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity, but haven’t found the right volunteer opportunity?  Have you thought about working on the Habitat build site, but have never worked with tools before? We’ve got a great project for you!

Next Tuesday, July 17th, from 9am -12pm, Habitat ReStore is hosting a Picnic Build Day as a part of Habitat ReStore’s 6th Anniversary Celebration.

Our Build Site crew leaders will work alongside of volunteers to build simple, quality picnic tables to be used for the ReStore Appreciation Picnic at the end of the week.  After the event, the tables will be sold at ReStore to benefit Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity. The activity will take place outside of Habitat ReStore, 210 11th St. N. in Moorhead.

 

Volunteers will get to learn the basics of construction with our experienced crew leaders as well as help us to get ready for our Anniversary Celebration.  It’s a great activity to take part in no matter your level of experience or involvement with Habitat!

 

If you’re interested in volunteering for this learning activity, please sign up at VolunteerUp or contact Shelby Cochran, Shelby@lakeagassizhabitat.org, 218-284-5253 x2.

Interested in build site opportunities? There are still openings for volunteer build days this summer.  Visit our VolunteerUp Project Calendar to sign up!

 

Brighten Up Your Kitchen with Habitat ReStore!

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Need to revitalize your kitchen? You may think that replacing cabinets, countertops and flooring are where you should start, but sometimes improving the look and feel of your kitchen space can be as easy as replacing your light fixtures!

Poor lighting can make cooking, cleaning and eating in your kitchen difficult, while proper lighting will refresh your space and ensure that you’ll be able to prepare and enjoy your food safely and hygienically. Habitat ReStore has a variety of lighting options that can improve all the areas of your kitchen. Check out these HGTV-inspired tips to help you choose the best light fixtures for your kitchen.

Start with the ceiling: Every room needs a basic light source. According to HGTV, the best option for your kitchen is a central, ceiling-mounted fixture that mimics daylight—it’ll give you the best view of the kitchen and is usually adequate as the main lighting source for more modest-sized kitchens. Habitat ReStore has a variety of ceiling lamp fixtures that’ll brighten any style of kitchen.

Illuminate your kitchen table: If you have an eat-in kitchen, you’ll want to brighten it up with a light fixture directly above your kitchen table. HGTV recommends choosing a light fixture that mirrors the shapes in your kitchen space—for example, a circular chandelier will create a unified look with a round kitchen table. Habitat ReStore has a collection of hanging light fixtures in many shapes and sizes that will fit perfectly above your table.

Cool off your kitchen: When you need to circulate air throughout your kitchen, you need a ceiling fan that’ll do the job at the flip of a switch. Replacing an old ceiling fan with a new one is a weekend project that can revitalize your kitchen space. Check out Habitat ReStore’s fixtures with ceiling fans at prices that won’t break the bank, then check out HGTV’s step-by-step instructions for replacing a ceiling fan.

Brighten up your island: For kitchens with islands, your best option is lighting that hangs from the ceiling to illuminate the island surface. Pendant lights can highlight the style of your space—HGTV recommends glass or stainless steel shades for a modern look, while shades with vibrant colors and patterns give off a fun, eclectic vibe.

Shed extra light on work surfaces: It’s important to install extra lighting over surfaces such as sinks, stoves and countertops where high-attention activities like mixing and chopping occur. Take HGTV’s advice and try out task lighting like track lights, fluorescents or undercabinet lights to keep these surfaces well-lit.

Now that you have some great new ideas on how to light up your kitchen, come on in and check out the ReStore’s supply of gently used lighting fixtures, chandeliers, and fans – all priced at 25%-75% less than retail price!   Habitat ReStore is located at 210 11th St. North in Moorhead and is open Mon-Sat 10-6 and Sunday 12-4.

Habitat ReStore is a home improvement thrift store selling new and used building materials, appliances, and furniture to the general public at discounted prices.  All proceeds from ReStore support Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity’s programs and local building projects.  Tax-deductible donations of merchandise are accepted from the community. Visit www.lakeagassizhabitat.org/restore for more information.

ReStore PR/Marketing Committee Spotlight

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Sometimes time and expertise are the most valuable donations one can make to a non-profit organization like Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity. The LAHFH ReStore PR/Marketing committee is just one way to do just that. It’s a diverse, volunteer-driven group composed of area professionals with backgrounds in public relations and marketing.

You make a living by what you get.

You make a life by what you give.

-Winston Churchill

Committee members meet monthly to brainstorm, create and manage innovative campaigns that support Habitat ReStore’s goals to sell gently-used home improvement materials to the general public, divert materials from landfills, and raise funds to support Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity.

The ReStore PR/Marketing committee is composed of professionals who work in marketing, writing, and public relations roles. The committee is currently seeking new members to join, especially those who work in the graphic arts field.

If you’re interested in connecting with other area professionals and donating your time to a nationally recognized non-profit organization, please email Shelby Cochran at shelby@lakeagassizhabitat.org.

 

Habitat ReStore’sTop 5 DIY Summer Projects

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With warm weather and creativity in the air, summer is the perfect time for new and refreshing ideas. Check out these affordable do-it-yourself projects and revamp old materials like doors, sinks and flower pots into new pieces that are fun, functional, and unique.

You can find many of the materials you’ll need for these projects at the Habitat ReStore—and now we’ve extended our hours for all of your summer project needs! Come see us Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. to get the summer project materials you need on a budget.

DIY Headboard via Country Living

1.       Renovate an old door into a new headboard

A unique headboard can really liven up a dull bedroom. The problem: headboards are expensive. So instead of buying a new one, build and customize your own headboard—out of a door. The ReStore has a wide selection of affordable doors and paint colors that you can use to make a headboard that perfectly matches your room, and Country Living has the directions you need to create it.

2.       Re-purpose an unused window into a functional coffee table

Who knew that a window could be used as anything other than a window? If you have an old window lying around—or if you pick up a recycled one from the ReStore—you can turn it into a one-of-a-kind living room centerpiece with just a few materials and some paint. Check out HGTV’s article on how to build your own window coffee table. 

Cabinet door turned serving tray via Good Housekeeping

3.       Use an extra cabinet door as a versatile serving tray

A cabinet door seems useless if it’s not on a cabinet, right? Not anymore. Swing by the ReStore and pick up some paint and a pair of drawer pulls, and you’ve got a handy serving tray for summer parties and barbecues. Good Housekeeping shows you how to make your own cabinet door serving tray.

 

 

4.    Turn Terra Cotta pots into bright silverware displays

Looking for a new way to organize your silverware? All you need are Terra Cotta flower pots, which you can find at the ReStore, and some paint. Decorate them to coordinate with your kitchen or turn them into a family project and let your kids be the artists. Either way, you’ll end up with some creative and colorful silverware holders. Take a look at these finished holders on the Simply Seleta blog.

Sink birdbath via HGTV

 5.        Transform a salvaged sink into a backyard birdbath

Backyard bird watching is a fun summer activity—and it’s even more fun to watch birds cool off in a birdbath you made yourself. Check out the variety of sinks we offer at the ReStore and take a look at HGTV’s advice on how to turn one into a cool haven  for your feathered friends!

You can also stop into the ReStore to get all the other materials you’ll need for your do-it-yourself summer projects, from ceiling fans that’ll keep your home cool on hot days to border bricks for your outdoor landscaping.

Take advantage of our extended hours and visit the ReStore Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Habitat ReStore is a home improvement thrift store located at 210 11th St. N. in Moorhead, MN that sells new and gently used building materials, furniture, appliances, and home décor.  Merchandise sold at Habitat ReStore comes from material donations made by community members as well as local builders and businesses.  All proceeds from ReStore support Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity as they build simple, decent, and affordable homes in partnership with families in Cass and Clay Counties.

 

Prepare for Cleanup Week: Donate to Habitat ReStore!

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Fargo-Moorhead’s Cleanup Week is May 7-11. Every year, residents of Dilworth, Moorhead, Fargo, and West Fargo have this week to dispose of tires, appliances, and other large items at no charge on their regular garbage collection day.

This Cleanup Week, there’s a great opportunity to get rid of unwanted items in an environmentally sustainable way that also supports the local community.  Before you put anything out on the curb, consider donating it to Habitat ReStore and receiving a tax deduction!

Habitat ReStore is a home improvement thrift store that accepts donations of building materials, appliances (in any condition), and furniture.  By giving these materials another life, Habitat ReStore is able to divert almost 500 tons of materials from area landfills annually!  All proceeds from Habitat ReStore support Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity as they build simple, decent, and affordable homes in partnership with families in Cass and Clay counties.

Cleanup Week Rules

Each city has their own specifications, which can be found on the Cleanup Week website.

1.Separate items of the same type into distinct piles (tires, appliances, furniture, brush, household garbage, etc.). Separate trucks collect the items.

2.Place garbage in disposable containers, except for oversized items.

3.Items will be collected on your normal garbage pickup day. Do not set items out more than one day early.

4.Crews will not return to pick up garbage set out too late.

5. Remove refrigerator and freezer doors. Do not place food or any other waste inside appliances.

 6. Items must be from residences; no commercial waste will be accepted. Keep household garbage at least four feet away from other Cleanup Week items.

If you have items that are still usable or are not accepted by the city, consider supporting your community and the environment by donating tax-deductible materials to Habitat ReStore!

How do I donate to Habitat ReStore?

Drop Off: Bring your donation to Habitat ReStore, 210 11th Street North, Moorhead during store hours, which are 10-6 Mon – Fri and 10-4 Saturday.

Pick Up: Call (218) 359-0812 to schedule a FREE donation pick-up.

For a list of accepted donations, please visit our webpage.

NDSU’s “Big Event” Brings Volunteers to Habitat ReStore

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On Tuesday, April 24th, a group of North Dakota State University students helped out at Habitat ReStore in a BIG way as a part of the NDSU Volunteer Network’s “Big Event.”

The NDSU Volunteer Network, NDSU Student Government and the NDSU Alumni Association plans the annual “Big Event,”an all-day community outreach assistance program. This event brings together the NDSU community to volunteer in the Fargo-Moorhead community.

The Big Event sent over 500 student and alumni volunteers to local non-profit agencies, churches and private homes.

Go Bison!

This year, the NDSU Volunteer Network invited Habitat ReStore to take part in this event.   Tuesday afternoon, a group of NDSU volunteers were working hard at the ReStore.  They assisted with a variety of projects, including cleaning a large donation of refrigerators, sorting the paint section, and organizing the back lot of the store.

“Habitat ReStore has benefited in a big way from volunteers sent to us from NDSU over the past year, whether they are individual students completing service learning requirements or larger campus groups doing a one-day project,” said Shelby Cochran, AmeriCorps VISTA at Habitat ReStore.  ”Thanks to two NDSU volunteer events, the ‘Service Plunge’ on MLK Jr. Day and the ‘Big Event,’  we were able to conquer tasks that are usually too large for our small staff to handle.  We hope to continue our relationship with the Volunteer Network and participate in their events in the future!”

Habitat ReStore is a home improvement thrift store selling new and gently used building materials, appliances, and furniture to the general public at reduced prices.  All proceeds from Habitat ReStore support Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity‘s programs and building projects.  Material donations from local businesses, contractors, and individuals are welcome.  Tax-deductible donations can be made by dropping off materials at the ReStore, 210 11th St. North in Moorhead or by calling 218-284-5253 x3 to set up a donation pick-up. 

8 New Ways to Go Green this Earth Week!

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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. 

Women at Work: Lowe’s Teaches Building Basics for Women Volunteers

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Women volunteers, many representing “The Build Generation” of young women ages 18 to 24, will raise their hammers at Habitat for Humanity construction sites across the country in recognition of National Women Build Week, May 5-13. This event is a nationwide initiative of Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build program developed in partnership with Lowe’s.

To help volunteers get a jump-start on their building skills, Lowe’s, the underwriter of Habitat’s Women Build program and sponsor of National Women Build Week, is hosting a “how-to” clinic on Saturday, April 21st at 2:00 pm at Lowe’s Home Improvement, located at 5001 13th Avenue Southwest in Fargo.

Women Build how-to clinics are open to everyone, women interested in volunteering at any local Women Build site are encouraged to attend. There is no cost to enroll and Lowe’s provides all supplies. The how-to clinic is led by Lowe’s store employees will teach home construction basics to volunteers and offer opportunities to practice new skills.  Women will also learn tool safety tips.

To sign up for the clinic, volunteers should contact the Customer Service Desk at Lowe’s Home Improvement by calling 701-433-2160. Each clinic is limited to 25 participants. Registered volunteers should wear comfortable clothing and come ready to learn.  All supplies will be provided on-site.

Habitat’s Women Build program recruits, educates and inspires women to build and advocate for simple, decent and affordable housing in their communities. Lowe’s committed more than $1.3 million to National Women Build Week, providing $5,000 Lowe’s store gift cards and event support materials to 275 Habitat affiliates across the country.

This year’s theme, “The Build Generation,” reflects Habitat Women Build’s goal to recruit and train women volunteers, as well as welcome the next generation of Habitat Women Builders – young women, ages 18-24 – to help support Habitat’s mission to create affordable housing.

Volunteer Seeks the Most Useful Pastime

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Volunteer Mary Jane Haugen sorts donations at ReStore.

“To do work because you want to do it,” is the definition of volunteering to Mary Jane Haugen.

Haugen started volunteering with Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore over five years ago.  She had recently retired as a librarian at the Moorhead Public Library and needed something to do with her time.   Haugen says that she likes feeling useful, so she chose to volunteer.

“I like the structure of regular volunteering days and I believe in a mission,” she said.  Haugen chose to volunteer regularly at ReStore for several reasons. Those reasons include her passion for recycling and her support of Habitat for Humanity’s mission to partner with volunteers to build simple, decent and affordable homes.

“I love the idea that what some people can’t use, can be used by other people.  I just hate to waste,” Haugen said.  Haugen’s job duties at the ReStore are working the cash register, and assisting customers as well as sorting, cleaning and pricing donations.  The ReStore, which is described by Haugen as “a thrift store version of Menards,” relies on donations from the community for their product.  The staff at the ReStore is a small group that relies heavily on volunteers.

“I like the attitude at Habitat. People here believe in what they’re doing.  There’s a great staff to work with in a good atmosphere,” said Haugen, who is also a customer at the ReStore.  She owns storage cabinet units and tools from the ReStore that she uses quite often in her home.

Haugen finds inspiration from customers who come in and see possibilities in the materials. Habitat ReStore is a treasure trove for DIYers looking for that perfect piece to start their crafty project.

“The inventory is always changing at the ReStore.  It’s exciting because you never know what kind of treasure someone will bring in the next day.  There is such a wide variety here from antiques to brand new appliances.”

While Haugen primarly volunteers at the ReStore, she has also participated at Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity build sites and has volunteered with her church in Fargo.

“I think Habitat is so worthy and so is ReStore because it supports Habitat and helps a lot of people with their home projects.”

Are you interested in becoming a ReStore volunteer?  Contact ReStore VISTA Shelby Cochran at 218-284-5253 x2 or shelby@lakeagassizhabitat.org for more information.