The following news release was submitted by Habitat For Humanity and does not necessarily reflect the views of Andover News.
The Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Lawrence is a triple win for the community: furniture can be recycled and kept out of landfills, consumers have a resource for quality pre-owned goods, and it funds the important work in building affordable housing in Essex County.
Shopping at a Habitat ReStore isn’t like a shopping experience anywhere else. Part home improvement store, part home goods store, part resale store, each ReStore has a wide selection that changes often. The fun part is it’s sometimes like a treasure hunt: you never know what you will find.
“A lot of people like to go on the treasure hunt,” said Jim Kapelson, Director of the ReStore. “We are fortunate to be surrounded by a very giving community. We service all of Essex County, all 34 cities and towns. We offer pick-up of furniture and building materials, if needed. We have a box truck that is out five days a week picking up three to five donations from donors every day,” he said.
The ReStore is also open for donations during business hours. They are particular in what they accept.
“We do our small part to do our level best to accept things that we know people will enjoy and can be used that can be purchased at a very affordable price. It’s a feel good that things aren’t just getting thrown away. We are helping to alleviate some of the waste that is so prevalent in our society. We take items related to homes. We can take appliances, windows, doors, hardware, tools, furniture (couches, chairs, dining tables). We do not take bedding materials, mattresses or box springs, children’s furniture (highchairs, for example). We have to be concerned with safety. We don’t take car seats or paint or chemicals of any sort,” he said.
“For me, our mission is to really integrate ourselves into the community, to be a resource, and in turn provide services and products to those who need them. We provide good quality items that can be purchased for a great value and support affordable housing,” Jim said. “We’re the store that builds affordable homes. Proceeds from our store help fund building houses in our Essex County service area. Our main function is to take donations related to homes, including building materials, furniture, appliances and housewares, etc., and sell them to support our home building and home repair efforts. We turn over inventory very quickly. If you see something you like, buy it! Don’t hesitate. It probably won’t be there when you return.”
In addition to selling pre-owned items, the store sells new paint, including wall paint and house paint. There is also a full line of new waterproof laminate flooring.
“We also offer a cabinet deconstruction program for those remodeling. We will come to your home or business and carefully remove cabinets and transport them to our store for resale,” Jim said.
The store is supported by a staff team of eight people and approximately three dozen volunteers who help with receiving inventory, pricing merchandise, answering shoppers’ questions on the sales floor, and helping to keep the facility clean. They also partner with American Training and Opportunity Works, local non-profits whose missions are to empower people with diverse abilities to gain experience in the workplace.
When asked what he is most proud of at the ReStore, Jim said, “I’m most proud of our staff team here. They are here because they believe in what we are doing. They have helped me and helped our organization do better. I’m really pleased and happy with our staff.”
Whether you are a do-it-yourselfer, homeowner, renter, landlord, contractor, interior designer, environmentalist or treasure hunter, make Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Lawrence your first stop when shopping for your next home improvement, renovation or DIY project. Check out some of their latest inventory on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/habitatrestorelawrence and their website https://www.ecrestore.org.
Store hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 5pm (Closed Sunday and Monday). The ReStore is located at 647 Andover Street, is an affiliate of Essex County Habitat for Humanity, with its administrative office in Danvers.
You’ll feel great knowing your purchase or donation is helping to provide affordable housing for your neighbors in need. Proceeds from all sales at the ReStore fund the building and repair of affordable homes in Essex County to deliver on their mission of building strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter.
Donations are processed at the back entrance to the store. Please see an associate to be sure all items are a good fit for resale at the store. For more information, visit https://restoredonations.org.