Long after outgrowing its former location on East Race Street near downtown Troy, the store run by and to benefit Habitat for Humanity of Miami and Shelby Counties moved to a larger home off West Main Street near Interstate 75 this summer.
The store that opened in 2007 had 5,000 square feet of space in its previous location. It now has more than 18,000 square feet, said Sharon McGill, store manager since 2009.
The store is located in the Trojan Village Shopping Center in space previously home to groceries and a pet store.
“This is space is much more visible,” McGill said. “Since moving here, our incoming donations have tripled.”
The move took four weeks versus an estimated two with 15 semi trailers used to move the inventory. Six of the trucks have been unloaded so far, she said, adding, “We will never not be packed to the gills.”
Proceeds from the store go into the account for Habitat for Humanity projects. McGill said the most recent audit showed “92 cents of every dollar goes directly to our mission.”
Donors to the store can be individuals, corporations who support Habitat for Humanity’s efforts or builders and contractors with excess materials. Donations are tax deductible.
The ReStore is laid out in departments from the light room with a ceiling featuring various lighting options to bathroom fixtures, cabinets, plumbing and hardware items, appliances, an expanded lawn and garden area and, new to this store, furniture. The store also offers recycled paint.
“I love the idea the ReStore is participating in a recycling process. We are practicing what we preach,” McGill said.
The store has five employees and more than 30 volunteers with more volunteers needed.
The back portion of the store is the donation processing area where items are sorted, cleaned and tested, among other tasks. The store offers donation pick up routes in both counties for larger items. Among future plans is a drive up drop off area.
Store hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
For more information on the ReStore, go online to www.hfhmco.org or call 937-703-9683. There also is a Facebook page.
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