ReStore Mixer is a Success

On Wednesday, January 18, 2012, ReStore hosted the Clovis Chamber of Commerce’s New Year’s Mixer. The purpose of this event was for guests to network within the community and to acquaint the Chamber members and guests with the work of ReStore.

Nearly 100 people attended this event and for many it was their first time at ReStore.  Most expressed excitement knowing they could save on home improvement supplies while supporting a worthy cause.   Not only did ReStore offer great discount coupons to its guests, but it also held a drawing where two names were pulled to receive ReStore gift cards worth $50 and $25. In addition, each winner was given  a decorative, hand-painted tile.

Prior to the mixer, ReStore reported a very strong December, ended the year above budget, and far exceeded last year’s business. Kudos to the ReStore staff for a job well done!

Habitat Receives Helpful Grants

Once again, Habitat Fresno is the recipient of the Soft Lumber Grant through Habitat International.  This grant offers a percentage of reimbursement for qualified lumber expenses incurred during 2012, and, for our affiliate, this represents approximately $7,500 per house built in 2012, or a total of $75,000.

Also, a sincere thank you goes to SC Johnson for providing a final grant of $10,000 to help fund our Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative program. Although they have recently closed their Fresno plant, Kelly Semrau, Senior Vice President of SC Johnson Global Corporate Affairs, said, “Thank you for the contributions your organization makes in the Fresno community every day.  We have been honored to have been your partner.”

Many thanks, too, to the Heffernan Foundation for their generous grant of $2,500 to help support the Ramps and Rails program.  According to Michelle Lonaker, Director of the Heffernan Foundation, “We are happy to support the important work you are doing in the community.”

Gifts in Kind Award to ReStore

Habitat Fresno is pleased to announce that its ReStore has been accepted to participate in Habitat International’s 2012 ReStore Gifts in Kind Program. The purpose of this program is to help ReStores around the country by identifying potential donors, developing key relationships with the donor, and then acquiring valuable donations from them.

How does this work?  After the relationship is solidified, potential donors notify Habitat International of products that are available which are then distributed to local affiliates based on the location of the donation.  And for us, the results came fast! Just recently, our ReStore received a large donation of brand NEW washers and dryers from Whirlpool!  Incredible!   

Come by and check out all the amazing, new appliances we

have while they are still available!

Fresno State Student Volunteers Thank ReStore

Thanks to the six Fresno State students who recently volunteered at ReStore, and who expressed their appreciation in the following letter to the staff:

“We would like to thank you so much for the opportunity to volunteer in your store. We appreciated all of your help and kindness while we were there and really had a great time. The experience was amazing, being able to help others help themselves. We enjoyed ourselves and it was a great way for us to put in some hours of community service. We just wanted to tell you how much we appreciated all of you at the ReStore who made us feel very comfortable and welcome, and we all hope to volunteer again in the near future.”

It was a rewarding experience for everyone involved.