By Lanier Laney
LowCountry Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a retail outlet where quality used and surplus building materials, furniture, appliances, lighting and plumbing fixtures, and cabinets are donated by individuals, businesses, contractors, and other organizations who wish to show their support for Habitat.
Products are then sold at below retail prices starting every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 10 a.m. Proceeds from ReStore help fund the LowCountry Habitat for Humanity mission of eliminating poverty housing within our community.
By donating materials to the ReStore, you not only help assist in the building of a Habitat home but you also reduce the amount of materials sent to the local landfill.
The Beaufort ReStore opened in 2004 with a bang on July 4th weekend at “the Shed” in Port Royal and later moved to its own location on the Parris Island Gateway in Burton. Since then it has become known as “the store that builds houses.” Money from the ReStore has helped to build 16 homes to date in our area and has improved the lives of 67 people.
Jenny Drake has been the manager since the store’s opening in 2004. Her background in retail helped to prepare her for this position. However, the ever-changing scenery (donations) at the store can be a real juggling act.
One of the things that ReStore shoppers love (besides their low prices) is that you never know what you’ll find at the ReStore. Because they do pickups and receive donations on a regular basis, their inventory changes constantly. Today there might be an antique table and chairs, a vintage claw footed tub (for your retro remodel) sitting on the ReStore floor and tomorrow it may be replaced by a stack of tile, wicker porch furniture and a washer-dryer set.
ReStore shoppers know that on a fairly regular basis they can find a stock of doors, windows, cabinets, flooring, lighting and plumbing fixtures, appliances, and furniture, but when you see those one-of-a-kind prizes, snap them up quickly — or someone else will.
The always friendly ReStore team includes Scott Hall, assistant manager; Barry Schellhase, truck operator/donations collection; and Damon Dunham, truck operator/ donations collection. They also have an eclectic group of wonderful, loyal volunteers.
Their united commitment, along with all the generous hearted people who donate items and those who shop there, are doing a stellar job in eliminating poverty housing in our community.
The support of the Beaufort community in Habitat’s mission makes it possible for families like April Redd’s to become homeowners. “Being accepted into the program has answered a much-needed prayer,” she said. “There’s nothing like having a place to call your own. I have been praying for a home where I could raise my children without the cares of distribution of drugs and a sense of imprisonment” she said.
It is miracles like these that Jenny says she has been extremely fortunate to be a part of for the past seven years. LowCountry Habitat for Humanity is currently fundraising to “raise the roof” on a Veteran Build, a Woman Build, and a Faith House so that they can move three more deserving families into their own home.
ReStore is looking to recruit volunteers to help set up an e-waste program (e-waste includes old computers, printers, parts or screens that need to be recycled or disposed of in a safe way).
As you can see, The LowCountry Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a win-win charity. The ReStore Team would like to thank local retailers, contractors, demolition crews and individuals who generously donate new and gently used materials that may otherwise end up in landfills. See you at the ReStore where you can shop, donate or volunteer.
How you can donate
You can make your tax deductible donations to the ReStore by calling 525-0055 to schedule a pickup and they will send out a truck and movers to your location.
Where to Buy
The ReStore is located at 612 Parris Island Gateway (Rt 280) in Burton, (a couple of miles south of the 170 intersection) and they are open Thursday-Saturday 10 a.m. -5 p.m. (Hint: Get there at 10 a.m. sharp on Thursdays to see that week’s full selection of donated items). They are also on Facebook, with weekly information on events and updated pictures. Go towww.facebook.com/LowCountryHabitatReStore. You can also receive their e-newsletters — call their office today (522-3500) or send an email to info@lowcountryhabitat.org.
• The ReStore has introduced a new outdoor furniture line called “The Beaufort Collection”. The furniture is handcrafted from recycled lumber by their highly skilled volunteers. To view, come by the ReStore or pick up one of their brochures.
• This swing is primed, painted and available in two lengths: 4 ft. length starting at $279 or 5 ft. length starting at $299. Call 843.525.0055 for more information.
• Donations are always gratefully accepted and can include furniture, cars, boats; new and gently-used appliances such as refrigerators, stoves, microwaves, etc; building materials: doors, windows, cabinets*, shutters, hardware, roofing; plumbing supplies: bath/shower fixtures, sinks, vanities and toilets; Lighting fixtures: lamps, chandeliers, sconces; Flooring materials: tile, vinyl, brick, rugs and bound carpet Electronics, televisions and power tools. *If you’re planning to remodel your kitchen or bath, call their “de-construction crew” to schedule an appointment to determine if your cabinets qualify for free removal.
