Habitat's RESTORE hopes to earn enough to be sole sponsor of a house

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RESTORE has received items like bicycles, boat motors and even an old Player piano. Wildman said the strangest thing a customer has purchased is a small box of rocks.

Since Habitat for Humanity ReStore accepts donations of any item that can be resold, customers never know what they will find when they visit the store located at 117 N. Middle St. in Cape Girardeau. Better yet, they can find items to improve their own home while they support the construction of a home for a family in need.

ReStore sells quality used and surplus building materials at a fraction of normal prices to the community. Money spent at the store goes to fund construction of Habitat for Humanity houses in the area.

Manager Walt Wildman said building supply stores, contractors, demolition crews or individuals donate many of the building materials and home improvement items in the store, but plenty of other items can be found.

ReStore has received items like bicycles, boat motors and even an old player piano. Wildman said the strangest thing a customer has purchased is a small box of rocks.

Employees and volunteers pick up items Mondays through Wednesdays. The store currently has two employees and always welcomes help from volunteers.

In 2009, Wildman said ReStore had enough proceeds to co-sponsor the construction of a home. In 2010, Wildman said he has a goal for the store to raise enough proceeds to be a sole sponsor for a Habitat For Humanity home.

To help reach this goal, ReStore is changing hours to better meet customer needs and will is now open Thursday and Friday from noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.