Habitat for Humanity Choptank volunteers, staff and board members came together in celebration of a milestone event at their ReStore’s eighth anniversary celebration. All in attendance enjoyed refreshments, special discounts on a wide array of in-store merchandise including Christmas retail goods, and other family-oriented activities such as face painting and a silent auction. A ceremonial check in the amount of $819,200.68 was presented to the Habitat Choptank affiliate represented by current board president George Fox. The check signifies the cumulative net income the discount home improvement center has generated since it opened in October 2010. Funds raised by the ReStore are subsequently invested into Habitat Choptank’s mission of implementing affordable home ownership programs in Dorchester and Talbot counties, and effectively, the contribution funds the building of one Habitat Choptank home each year.
“We couldn’t have done this without such a supportive community,” said ReStore manager Chris Smith. It starts with the donors – businesses and organizations, contractors and individuals – who provide an inventory of donated goods that changes daily. Then there are the customers – collectors, crafters and artists, do-it-yourself types, and landlords – looking to improve their properties.
And equally as important is team ReStore, which includes a similarly diverse volunteer corps of men and women of all different ages who help with every aspect of the store operation. Smith adds, “our volunteers support the Habitat Choptank mission, by helping to keep new or gently used items out of the landfill, and have fun in the process. I encourage others who want to make a difference in their community to consider volunteering here.”
Photo: Habitat for Humanity Choptank supporters recently celebrated their ReStore’s eighth anniversary with a big check presentation including store manager Chris Smith (bottom right) with George Fox, president on the Habitat Choptank board of directors, holding the check.
ReStores are resale outlets run by local Habitat affiliates. Habitat Choptank’s ReStore accepts donated construction materials, home improvement items and furniture. These goods are sold to the general public at a fraction of the retail price, effectively providing funding to the affiliate to support the mission of building affordable homes for hardworking families in Talbot and Dorchester Counties.
The Habitat Choptank ReStore, located at 8610 Commerce Drive in Easton, is open Tuesdays– Saturdays for shoppers and donations. The store also operates two box trucks which are available to pick up larger donations with advance scheduling from around the Mid-Shore region. Hundreds of items are generously brought into the ReStore each month, coming from individuals, families, retailers, and builders from the surrounding area.
Since 1992, Habitat Choptank has made home ownership possible for 78 families and currently partners with 16 local home buyers. Currently, 9 more homes are under construction in Dorchester and Talbot Counties, with plans to begin construction on 4 homes in St. Michaels in the coming weeks. Income qualifying home buyers are offered access to affordable mortgage financing in order to purchase a new construction or rehabbed home from the nonprofit’s project inventory. After completing “sweat equity” hours, attending pre-homeownership classes, and meeting debt reduction and savings goals, these individuals and families will purchase homes that they helped construct and assume the full responsibilities of home ownership including maintaining their home, paying property taxes and repaying their mortgage over 30 to 33 years. Habitat accepts applications for its home ownership program throughout the year.
For more information about the Habitat Choptank ReStore, to volunteer with the store or to inquire about making a donation, call 410-820-6186, email [email protected] or visit www.HabitatChoptank.org.
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