Steve Church, manager of the Garland Area Habitat for Humanity ReStore is new to the Garland area but has been with Habitat for Humanity in several different capacities for six years.
He feels that the entire Habitat program, including the ReStores, serves numerous purposes in the community.
“Everyone benefits from the work of the Restores. People can donate all kinds of things including gently used furniture, household items, light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, doors, windows, appliances and building supplies,” Church said. “It helps the environment to reuse and repurpose things instead of them going to the landfill.”
The items are then sold at a fraction of their original cost at the Restore, which also benefits the community. People stop in regularly looking for bargains and to check the stock. Young people furnishing their first homes can find furniture, decorative items, a
ppliances and more. Builders often donate extra supplies that other builders need and can purchase at a great price. People looking for projects, maybe furniture to refinish, stop by often to look for treasures as well.
The store has a couple of paid employees along with numerous volunteers who donate their time. Individuals who simply want to help out in their communities, corporate groups, church groups and students who need volunteer hours are a few examples of those who give their time at Habitat. Additionally, it’s a great opportunity for people who need to do court-ordered community service to fulfill their required number of hours.
Some of the tasks that volunteers perform at the ReStore include serving as cashier, helping with customer service, light cleaning, processing donated items and helping on delivery and donation trucks.
Volunteers pick the dates and times they want to work and are not tied to a specific schedule. Visit http://www.garlandhfh.org/volunteer/index.php for information.
Church said that the ReStore receives donations from several different sources including homeowners, hotels, businesses and builders.
“You never know what kind of treasure you might find and new items are added 
every day,” he said.
The store’s location is its biggest challenge. It is located at 2360 Crist Road, Suite 700 and even though it is visible from Highway 78, visitors must turn onto Crist Road to get there. Suite 700 is at the front of the building.
Seniors get an additional 15 percent discount off already low prices on Mondays and other specials are advertised on social media. Like them on Facebook to see posts about specials.
Habitat is a faith-based organization and its purpose is to help people. Proceeds from the Garland ReStore are used to build more homes for low-income families in our community.
Shoppers’ dollars, donated items and volunteering at the ReStore all help to improve the lives of fellow community members.
Mission: Founded in 1993, Garland Area Habitat for Humanity’s mission is to love God and neighbor by working to eliminate poverty housing in the Greater Garland area. To find out more, visit www.garlandhfh.org or call 972-495-2400.