ReStore seeks help to reach Habitat goals

Habitat for Humanity does great work nationwide and locally, building homes for families in need. Over the past 30 years, Cape Area Habitat for Humanity alone has built more than 50 homes.

To help the organization reach its goal of increasing that number to four to five homes per year, the Habitat for Humanity ReStore funds building materials by offering low-cost home hardware, furniture and appliances.

While the store doesn't carry clothing or dishes, it has had a "thrift shop" feel in the past, according to executive director Al Stoverink.

"We're really trying to now raise it to a level of being a true not-for-profit home-improvement store," Stoverink told the Southeast Missourian's Bridget Brown recently.

The ReStore's goal is to fund the building of one to two homes per year for Habitat. Stoverink said though it hasn't met that goal yet, the staff is on the right track with managing donation flow.

The ReStore accepts donations for home hardware, furniture, cabinetry and large appliances in new condition. The building, at 365 Rust Ave. in Cape Girardeau, is equipped to handle drop-off donations of all sizes through the week and also offers a pickup service.

We encourage everyone who may have items in the categories listed above to consider donating to the ReStore. And if you don't have items to donate, consider volunteering.

"We need volunteers in the ReStore just as much as we need help in the home builds," Stoverink said. "We don't want the ReStore to become the mission."