If you ever visited or made a donation to the old ReStore you may have noticed how small the processing room was. Just a small corner right next to the front door- traffic jams of folks dropping off items, picking up purchases were a constant logistical frustration for staff, donor, and shopper alike.
THOSE DAYS ARE OVER! The brand new ReStore, now open Tuesdays through Saturdays 9:00 AM- 5:30 PM at 715 E 15th Street (One Block South of Lincolnway, right behind Baskin Robbins Ice Cream) features a processing room big enough for the ReStore to handle more donations from local business and the public.
Located on the West end of the building (Customer entrance is located on the East End) Donating to the ReStore is easier than ever. The building features a docking bay for the ReStore truck to safely unload items, and a ramp, donated by Puma Steel and Black Cat Erectors to easily bring donations inside.
Once inside, items are cleaned, priced, and if needed- repaired by volunteers or staff.
Comfortable workstations make processing easy. Shelves donated by Sierra Trading, line the walls to store items ready to go on the floor, as well as overstock.
"We were bursting at the seams in our old store" said Habitat Executive Director, Kate Wright. "Often, we had to turn good items away, just from lack of space. It was frustrating for everyone. We spent a lot of time listening to our customers, donors, and staff about what they wanted in a new facility and we're so happy our new building addresses so many of the old challenges" she added.
The new space has also enabled the ReStore to accept a wider variety of donations, including construction materials, appliances, tools, furniture, home decor and household items.
Donating to the ReStore is easy. Dropping items off is encouraged- Tuesday- Friday between the hours of 9 AM and 4:30 PM. Drive into the courtyard on the West side of the building- if the door is closed, ring the bell and a friendly ReStore team member will help collect your donation and provide a tax receipt if needed.
The ReStore also offers donation pick-up for larger items and for those who can't drop off. Donors should call 307-637-8067 to schedule a pick-up. An extra day of pick-up services was recently added to accommodate demand. More days may continue to expand this service as the ReStore grows into its new space.
Donation Coordinator Arlen leads our Donation pick-up effort. The service is free for in-town locations and a small fuel donation is requested for those living beyond the city limits.
Donations should be accessible without entering the home (in a garage is OK), or outside- only if weather permits. Our team can't accept weather damaged furniture.
Items should be free of pet damage or smoke odor. The scheduler will go over any other policy that may apply to your donation.
As always- we appreciate your donation!
Volunteer Opportunities!
The ReStore supports the mission of Habitat for Humanity of Laramie County and offers great volunteer opportunities. Volunteers are needed to process, price, or repair donations. Those interested should contact Volunteer Coordinator Pat McIlwain, pat@cheyennehfh.org,or 307-637-8067. Regularly scheduled volunteers may be eligible for a discount on ReStore purchases.
With so many ways to help Habitat for Humanity build community, homes, and hope- the ReStore is thrilled at the community response to the new facility and looks forward to a Grand Reopening Event on June 5.
