Randolph, NJ:  For the 5^th time the Morris Habitat for Humanity ReStore has offered those in dire need a way to obtain free furnishings, appliances, and much more.  Over 125 families registered with area social service agencies to take advantage of what the ReStore calls their “Give Away Day.”

The Martinez family from Dover, heard about the day through Head Start.  They were pleased to be able to get a clothes closet for their daughter, so that now her clothes will be neatly in one place. 

Bonnie Minchin from Morris Plains has four children.  She heard about the event through Social Services.  Bonnie currently lives with her mother in very small living space, so she needed something special. What she found were dressers donated by New York University which will be perfect for her children’s clothing.  Right now all their clothing is in an assortment of hampers and plastic storage boxes. 

The day would not have gone as smoothly without the dozens of volunteers who helped out.  A number of the Morris Habitat volunteers were truly moved by how grateful the participants were to obtain much needed items. Diane Penola from Kinnelon is an occasional volunteer.  When she got the notice about the ”Give Away Day”, it fit her schedule and so she signed on right away.  Rich Nyquist from Randolph and Rosemary Scholz from Mt. Arlington heard about the Morris Habitat ReStore from presentations made to the Central Morris Chapter of AARP. They both are now “regulars”, volunteering every Wednesday at the Restore, helping to price merchandise.  Rich said. “There are many local families that need help and this is a great way to give them furniture that they could not otherwise afford.”

Sue Monico, who organized the event with the help of many other long-time volunteers, said that they learn from each year’s experience.  Select merchandise is slated for the give-away day, keeping in mind what was requested previously.  The day helps those in need and also helps clear inventory for the ReStore.  This year only 45 of the 125 pre-registered families actually attended the event which may have been due to inclement weather.  However many of those willing to brave the snow, arrived before Sue did. When she arrived  at 8:15am, families were already lined up even though the doors didn’t open until 10 am.  Each family was assigned a volunteer “personal” shopper who suggested items and helped move and load the cars or vans.    The gratitude expressed by the 45 families served, many of whom had nothing, made the entire effort worthwhile.

In many ways, the Morris Habitat ReStore provides a great service. Through the donation and then sales of new and slightly used items it raises money to help enable Morris Habitat to build much needed affordable homes. Additionally, it keeps all the donated items out of our landfills and , as this particular day shows, it helps those who need but could not otherwise afford furnishings, appliances and building materials.

Located at 274 South Salem Street, Randolph, NJ 07869, the ReStore is open Wednesday-Friday 10-6, Thursday until 8 p.m., Saturday 10-5, and Sunday 10-5.  Cash, debit cards, Visa and Mastercard are accepted. Donation drop offs can be made during store hours, or for larger items call 973-366-3358 to schedule a pick-up. Donations are tax-deductible.

For more information on Morris Habitat for Humanity and the ReStore, please follow Morris Habitat via its website www.morrishabitat.org,, Facebook page and Twitter or call the office at 973-891-1934.

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About Morris Habitat for Humanity

Morris Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit housing agency dedicated to providing decent, affordable housing for low-income families in Morris County and the surrounding New Jersey area.  Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Morris Habitat builds and rehabilitates houses in partnership with families in need.  Since 1985 Morris Habitat has served 249 households though home ownership opportunities, home preservation, and international home building programs. In addition, proceeds from our ReStore, opened May 2007, have built 6 homes and diverted over 2,000 tons of useable material out of landfills.  For more information about Morris Habitat call 973-891-1934 or visit www.morrishabitat.org.  To learn about the ReStore call 973-366-3358 or go to www.morrishabitat.org and follow the ReStore link. 

About Morris Habitat ReStore

Operated by Morris Habitat for Humanity, the ReStore sells donated building supplies and furnishings at huge savings off normal retail costs. Proceeds from the store have funded the construction of 6 houses since 2007 and kept more than 3,000 tons of materials from landfills. Information on donating, volunteering, or any other aspect of the ReStore can be found on its website at www.morrisrestore.org or by calling (973) 366-3358.

Located at 274 South Salem Street, Randolph, NJ 07869, the ReStore is open Wednesday-Friday 10-6, Thursday until 8 p.m., Saturday 10-5, and Sunday 10-5.  Cash, debit cards, Visa and Mastercard are accepted. Donation drop offs can be made during store hours, or for larger items call 973-366-3358 to schedule a pick-up. Donations are tax-deductible.