Tag Archives: ReStore

Have a minute to spare?

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The estimated value of a volunteer is over $20 an hour.  Money aside, studies show that adults who began volunteering as youth are twice as likely to volunteer as those who did not volunteer when they were younger.

There are hundreds of ways people of all ages can lend a hand in the Fargo and Moorhead communities. Whether helping at a nursing home, serving at the homeless shelter, or walking abandoned dogs, there’s a way you can help.

Docken volunteers

John Docken and other First International Bank volunteers work on the future home of the Nelson family.

John Docken, a long time volunteer and committee member with Habitat not only spends time volunteering, but also plays an important role as a valued committee member. His involvement over the past 12 years with various Habitat affiliates has been a great asset to the organization.

“I volunteer because of the fellowship on the job sites, John said. “I especially love seeing the joy in faces of the partner families. It’s priceless.”

Docken says he also cherishes the sense of doing something worthwhile. Just as Docken has discovered, there are numerous opportunities to put some muscle into helping Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity. Here are a few suggestions if you’re looking to get involved:

1.)  Help with a build. Contrary to what many believe, you don’t have to be a professional carpenter or go through extensive training to help with a build.

2.)  Are you a fair-weather friend looking to help but stay out of the heat? Helping with large mailings and other tasks is another important aspect to keeping the organization successful.

Habitat ReStore Volunteers

Individual volunteers work at the Habitat ReStore in Moorhead.

3.)  ReStore? For shore! Volunteers are needed every day at the store, especially with the store’s extended hours during the summer.

4.)  Become a committee member. While Habitat has several committees, the Family Support Committee, ReStore Committee, and the Volunteer Committee are especially in need of members. Getting involved on one of these teams is a great way to network with local professionals and brush up on leadership skills. Even if you’re a busy beaver, committees typically meet once a month for about an hour with some outside requirements.

5.)  Love cooking? Providing lunch for build sites might be your niche. Habitat is in search of people to prepare lunch to the folk swinging hammers. Meals could be anything from Sloppy Joes to grilling on site. MM-mm Good!

6.)  Help with special events. Volunteers are needed for projects such as hanging posters or mowing lots that are to be built on. Plus, if you want to get a team of friends together, a larger project can be given so you and your friends can volunteer together.

For questions or to learn more about how you or your organization can volunteer with Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity, please visit our website or give us a call  at 218-284-5253 ext. 2. Now get out there and volunteer!

Letter from Shelby Cochran, 2011-12 ReStore VISTA

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As today is my last day here at Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity, I wanted to take a little time to reflect on the experience I have had this year as an AmeriCorps VISTA and thank the Habitat family for welcoming me into their community.

One of the events coordinated by Shelby this year was Habitat ReStore’s Appreciation Picnic in July.

For those of you unfamiliar with the AmeriCorps VISTA program, VISTA stands for Volunteer in Service to America.  I was among of thousands of individuals in the United States that pledged to spend a year in the national service program helping to fight poverty.  The program was founded in 1965 and each member’s goal is to increase the capacity of the nonprofit organization they work with.   VISTA members work full-time for their host organization and their benefits include a living allowance, loan forbearance and an end-of-the-year award.   This year, I was one of 12 VISTAs serving at Habitat for Humanity affiliates in Minnesota.

My goal for the year was to build the capacity of Habitat ReStore, which in turn would build the capacity of Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity to build more homes and help more local families.  While at Habitat, I was involved in public relations/marketing, volunteer coordination, strategic planning and event coordination for Habitat ReStore.  For each of these tasks, I could not have accomplished what I did without the help of dedicated volunteers, committee members, and the staff at Habitat.

Shelby had a great time participating with Xcel Energy in the Holiday Lights Parade.

While my AmeriCorps VISTA position with Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity is ending today, I hope to stay connected with the Habitat community.  I plan to continue living and working in the Fargo-Moorhead area and would like to become involved with Habitat as a volunteer in the future.   I strongly believe in the mission of Habitat for Humanity and have thoroughly enjoyed watching our partner families achieve their dreams of homeownership.

To all of you who have worked with me, inspired me and put your trust in me, thank you.  I will certainly miss working with you and encourage you to stay in touch!

 Shelby Cochran

 

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.

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.

Letter from the New Executive Director

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As I step into my new role as executive director at Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity, I’d like to thank everyone for their support. Though I’ve been with the organization for several years, I’m excited for this new position to take on the new challenges and opportunities that lie before me.

For those of you who don’t know me yet, I joined Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity as a construction intern in April 2008. After just a few months, I was hired as the construction manager. Since then, I’ve been overseeing the entire building process—from setting the schedule to working on the houses myself.

Rob Rich on a Habitat build site.

I’m very passionate about the mission of Habitat, and I’m looking forward to playing an even larger part in the organization. Taking from my construction experience, I’ll be working closely with the board of directors to achieve common goals- including growing the Habitat ReStore and building more homes- which means serving more families- in Cass and Clay counties.

With the new build season approaching quickly, we’ll be needing your help again soon. I hope you’ll continue to partner with Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity and help us embrace our mission of building simple, decent and affordable housing in our community.

Sincerely,

Rob Rich

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. 

473 Reasons to Celebrate this Earth Week

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Last year, Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity ReStore diverted 473 tons of home improvement materials from landfills. That’s quite a few reasons to celebrate this Earth Week.

Everything from new kitchen floors to  gently used bedroom doors – the ReStore repurposes home improvement products from personal and corporate material donations all year long.

 

The best part? All proceeds from the ReStore support Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity’s programs and local building projects.

 “As Habitat ReStore becomes more synonymous with being green, individuals are realizing the benefits of donating and shopping with us. ReStore is helping today’s families improve their homes by selling new and used merchandise and, by diverting useful materials from our landfills, we improve the lives of future generations.”

– Randy Ahmann, ReStore Manager

Help Lake Agassiz Habitat ReStore keep the cycle going by donating and shopping this Earth Week. Drop off your gently used home improvement supplies at the ReStore during store hours or schedule a pick-up by calling the donation line at 218-359-0812.

Habitat ReStore is located at 210 11th St. N., Moorhead and is open to the public Monday-Friday from 10-6 and Saturdays 10-4.  All proceeds from the store support Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity build homes and hope in partnership with families in Cass and Clay Counties.