Proceeds to help build homes
By Judi Brinegar
Staff Writer, The Courier-Tribune
ASHEBORO - Habitat for Humanity of Randolph County is opening the first
Randolph ReStore in Asheboro.
The store, located at 1617 N. Fayetteville St., will open at 9 a.m.
Saturday.
The Randolph ReStore will "recycle" building materials, furniture,
working appliances, doors, windows, cabinets and lawn/garden equipment -
all items that homeowners are getting rid of during home improvement projects.
"This is basically a cut-rate home store," ReStore manager
Larry Harger said. "It really shows what people can do with nothing."
The front end of the 8,000 square feet of space will be used for a showroom,
where furniture and appliances can be displayed. Rugs, small decorative
items and dishes will also be showcased in this area. More furniture, building
supplies, shingles, lumber, doors, windows, bathroom sinks - home improvement
items, will be located in the back of the building.
"If we can offset the cost this first year, then after that every
donated dollar will go toward buying nails and wood to build homes,"
Harger added. "We would like to be able to build two houses a year
out of the money we make here."
Habitat for Humanity, a United Way agency, is an organization of volunteers
who build modest houses for qualified homeowners who work to help build
another house and pay off their own home loan in monthly payments.
Since 1993, Habitat has constructed 14 homes in Randolph County.
"We just poured the footing on the 15th home this month," said
Paul Rudd, Randolph Habitat executive director. "So far, we have built
homes in Seagrove, Randleman and Asheboro and would like build in the Liberty
area.
"Our ultimate goal is to use the revenue form the store to be able
to build four Habitat homes a year."
The ReStores are a fund-raising venture for Habitat. Approximately 40
percent of the affiliates have ReStores, according to Rudd.
Any items used around a home or to fix up a home may be donated. Items
such as clothing, mattresses, bedding, and books will not be accepted.
"We can't do any repairs, but will take anything new or gently used
and in working order," Harger said. "If it is something you would
give to your mother, it's good enough to donate. Don't take it to the landfill."
All the funds earned in the ReStore stay local and help build more simple,
affordable homes for families.
"Habitat is about a hand up, not a handout," Rudd stated. "This
store will be another revenue stream that will enable us to give others
the opportunity to live in a decent home.
"This is such a giving community. They are so supportive of local
organizations and causes. I believe that they will also support us."
The ReStore will be open from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturdays. Harger said
that the store being open just one day a week will be short term and that
it will be open more as business picks up.
* * *
To volunteer or donate items for the ReStore, call Larry Harger at
672-1555. Pick-up is available for larger items.
Copyright 2002, Stephens Media Group
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