Habitat for Humanity Choptank volunteers, staff and board members celebrated a milestone at their ReStore’s fifth anniversary event. A ceremonial check in the amount of $455,106 was revealed representing the cumulative net income the discount home improvement center has generated since it opened in October 2010. Funds raised by the ReStore are invested into Habitat Choptank’s mission and affordable home ownership program in Dorchester and Talbot counties.
“We’ve had a wonderful first five years because the community has been so supportive,” 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. ReStore shoppers are diverse.
And just as important, team ReStore which includes an equally 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, help keep good usable stuff out of the landfill, and have fun in the process. I encourage others who want to get involved and make a difference in their community to consider our ReStore.”
ReStores are resale outlets run by local Habitat affiliates. Habitat Choptank’s ReStore accepts donated construction materials, home improvement items and furniture. These donated goods are sold to the general public at a fraction of the retail price providing funding to the affiliate for its general operating costs which represents about 10% of its annual budget. With this unique source of revenue, funding from contributions and grants can be invested directly into the non-profit’s program costs including building homes and preparing the homebuyers.
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