Original Article from Pocono Record by Debbie Kulick
Most people feel like they have had a win when they find a good deal on something. What might make them feel even better is if that good deal benefits an organization that helps others. If you fall into this category, then you should certainly make a trip to the new ReStore run by Monroe County Habitat for Humanity. The store is located at 2610 Milford Road, East Stroudsburg (in Marshalls Creek).
This store is the first of its kind in Monroe County and helps support programs for those within the county with 100 percent of its proceeds. The money from the store is used to help build and repair homes in Monroe County. The ReStore will help Habitat expand their program to provide more affordable housing for Monroe County residents.
Wandering through the store, you will see new and gently used items. Everything from lawn furniture to household appliances to parts, lumber and vintage furniture are only some of the offerings. Each week the ReStore will spotlight new items on their Facebook page as well.
New merchandise is always arriving. Donations from corporations such as Lowe’s helps fill the floor with items that are available at discounted prices well below retail. Rather than put your “I practically never used this” item into the trash, why not consider donating it to the store?
There is a wide variety of items that are accepted when they fit that category. Here’s a partial list: appliances, cabinets, new laminate tops, doors, brand new furniture, filing cabinets, double pane windows, HVAC parts, bricks and concrete blocks, tools, unused tile flooring, new carpets, garden and lawn tools, new paint and stains, light fixtures, trim, molding and lumber. And that is a partial list! To see a complete list of accepted and unaccepted donations, visit: www.habitatmc.com/ReStore/donate.
While the store is new and just opening, the hours of operation are limited. Currently it is open Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. However, donation times are Wednesdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Donation pick-ups can also be arranged at no cost to the donor. To learn more, contact the donations coordinator at donations@habitatmc.com.
Perhaps you are new to the area and are looking to devote some volunteer time to a worthwhile organization. If so, the ReStore is always in need of more volunteers to help grow the operation. Volunteers can assist in merchandising and pricing, help customers shopping the store, unloading new arrivals and more. All your donated time will make the programs supported even more successful. If you would like to volunteer, contact the volunteer coordinator at volunteer@habitatmc.com.
Scott Fabian, Monroe County Habitat for Humanity’s executive director, states, “We have been working on getting the ReStore open for over a year and it’s exciting that it has finally come to fruition. We feel it is a great location being right on the 209 corridor which sees a lot of traffic.” He went on to say, “We are hoping to expand the store hours and footprint as soon as possible to help fund more of our projects as we currently hope to provide necessary repairs to 30 homes for your neighbors here in Monroe County.”
Future projects that Monroe County’s Habitat for Humanity has planned for Monroe County residents includes buying more homes to rehab and eventually build homes from the foundation to the roof and hand off those homes to struggling renters with a 0% mortgage over 30 years. One of the interesting facts about this particular store, and something that does not happen with all stores, is the fact that all the funds raised stay in this county. A real boost to those in need!
So gather up your lightly used items, bring them on in to the ReStore and then take some time to discover some treasure or treat that you can take home!
Debbie Kulick is an EMT who writes a weekly news column for the Pocono Record.