MORGAN PILZ/BAYSIDE GAZETTE
The Habitat for Humanity of Worcester County ReStore, located in Berlin, will officially be open for business on Thursday, Aug. 30.

By Morgan Pilz, Staff Writer

(Aug. 23, 2018) Habitat for Humanity of Worcester County will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its ReStore in Berlin, on Thursday, Aug. 30, at noon.

Habitat for Humanity of Worcester County, Inc. is a local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a global housing organization which seeks to help eliminate poverty housing by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope.

The nonprofit organization constructed a ReStore, which opens next week at 9026 Worcester Highway, in Berlin.

Habitat ReStores are home improvement stores that accept donations of new or gently used furniture, appliances, houseware and building materials, among other items.

Proceeds from the sales of these items help Habitat’s work in Worcester County. Projects include critical repairs for existing homeowners and building projects for new properties. This is the first ReStore in the county.

“ReStores provide a proven revenue stream for Habitat affiliates,” Andrea Bowland, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Worcester County, said. “It’s always a challenge to raise money for nonprofits, and Habitat affiliates need to raise a significant amount of money because our mission focuses on construction, be it building new homes, or addressing critical issues with existing homes.”

The ribbon-cutting will take place at noon, which will be followed by the 7,500-square-foot store’s official opening. The store will be open from 12-6 p.m. during the grand opening.

Hours during grand opening week will be 12-6 p.m., Thursday through Saturday. Regular store hours will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursdays through Saturdays.

“It is estimated that every dollar in ReStore sales keeps 1.3 pounds out of landfills,” Bowland said. “Thus, the Worcester County ReStore will help lessen the burden on the Worcester County landfill. There are three categories of people who will benefit from the ReStore – shoppers, donors and volunteers.

“Shoppers can expect to find everything from affordable appliances and furniture for their own homes or rentals, to unique antiques and even new flooring and building materials,” she continued. “Donors revamping their homes, cleaning out storage units, attics, or garages, can simply call the ReStore to donate, knowing that their items aren’t being cast aside, they are instead being donated and then sold to help the local community.”

Donations are still being accepted for the store’s grand opening. Gently used and new furniture, appliances and building materials will be accepted. However, articles such as clothes, most electronics, firearms and cribs will not be accepted.

For a complete list of acceptable and non-acceptable donations, visit habitatworcester.org/restore/what-we-accept.

“The ReStore will always be accepting donations, as these items make up the store’s inventory,” Bowland said. “A constant stream of donations is needed in order to stock the store and provide revenue. The more money we raise, the more families we can help within our local Worcester County community.”

Those interested in donating items should email donations@habitatworcester.org or call 410-208-4440. Donations can either be picked Monday or Tuesday, or dropped off on Wednesday.

“The donations ambassador or ReStore manager will discuss the items donors have and ask for photos to be emailed to ensure the ReStore is able to accept them,” Bowland said. “There are restrictions on the acceptance of certain regulated items, or due to the condition of items.”

For more information about the ReStore, call 410-208-4440 or visit habitatworcester.org/restore or HabitatforHumanityWorcesterCounty on Facebook.