The timing of ReStore Recycles Day couldn’t be more appropriate, with the season of giving upon us. Owned and operated by the local Habitat for Humanity organization, ReStore offers shoppers quality appliances, cabinets, flooring, and hardware made to turn a house into a home, with prices up to 70 percent off retail value. Accepting recycled household items and excess building materials, ReStore puts all sales profit back into the local Habitat for Humanity, an organization that builds and preserves homes for people in need, partnering to increase shelter access and inspire action to end poverty.
“One thing I love about the store is that all the profit from ReStore goes directly back into our community. When someone shops with us, they’re giving back to their own neighborhood. It’s a win-win situation,” explained Alisha Grove, ReStore’s store coordinator.
Open since 2002, ReStore receives materials from contractors and various companies, saving 300 tons of building material from the landfill every year. Larger materials can be overlooked and wasted, with the emphasized importance in recycling cans, bottles, and paper products. ReStore encourages locals to give back to their community through recycling those larger items, turning what would have been trash into something valuable for another and contributing to a cause that provides for those in need.
“The different ways this store has had an impact is amazing,” stated Grove. “Our customers will show us the remodeling projects they’ve done with items that have come from our store, and there have been some beautiful remodeling jobs.” ReStore has filled its 40,000 square feet with new cabinetry sets, pristine bathtubs, beautiful flooring, and unique light fixtures, offered at a price that makes home remodeling affordable for almost any budget.
On November 12, ReStore is offering the opportunity to give back with Recycles Day. The Sioux Falls Sustainability Program will be at the store to answer any questions about recycling and educate on how to correctly recycle. Donating to ReStore is encouraged, with a 25 percent off discount offer to anyone who makes a donation. ReStore will be keeping Recycles Day participants both warm and full with a free will donation chili feed, and just as every other day of the week, 100 percent of proceeds from Recycles Day sales will go directly to the local Habitat for Humanity organization.
If locals don’t have the goods to contribute or need to remodel, ReStore offers the opportunity to volunteer time as a way to give back.
“It’s a nice outlet for those who don’t necessarily have the desire to build a home but are willing to contribute their time,” said Grove. “We don’t ask for experience, just the offer of time. We enjoy what we do here.”
ReStore will continue to promote its purpose throughout the year, with the ReStoration Art Auction hosted in the spring. Local artists shop ReStore for materials used to create a piece of original art, showcasing their talent while contributing to the local Habitat organization. Coordinating ReStore’s event is one of Grove’s favorite parts of her job. “I love the versatility. That has to be my favorite aspect of ReStore. It’s a little crazy around here, and I never really know what I’ll be doing next. There are so many ways to contribute.”
For more information on ReStore, Recyles Day, or the opportunity to volunteer, visit ReStore’s website at siouxfallshabitat.org/restore.
