Wednesdays at the ReStore

A Few Selections

"May I help you?"

 

 

I’m volunteering at our local Habitat for Humanity store once a week.  It’s not your usual thrift shop.  No racks of used clothing, no books, no toys.  What we have to offer is salvage materials, light fixtures and ceiling fans, windows and doors, sofas, beds, desks, sideboards, kitchen sinks and commercial refrigerators…..just to mention a few choices.  Just about anything and everything you may need to get a house underway is ready and available for pick up or delivery.  It’s called the ReStore and I think that’s a great play on words.  It nails it.  There are only two paid employees.   The rest of us are either volunteer, are court ordered or social services recipients.  It’s taken me over a month to figure out what that term means.  Apparently Delonia, Rose, Chad and a few others, receive rent, food and health benefits from social services in exchange for working at the ReStore.  I’m not one to begrudge anyone wanting basic needs, but I have to say, these folks have figured it out.  The system is working for ‘um.  The court ordered folks are working off their time or tickets.  They come and go week to week.  Do a little of this and a little of that and they’re out of there.  For an organization working on a tight budget, it’s a great way to insure a steady line of workers.  It works all around. 

I enjoy the time I spend there and we all get along.  I’ve been working the register lately.  Not to worry, I’ve got the hang of it now.   In addition, I like to move inventory around, changing up the “displays.”  It’s kinda like pushing your living room furniture in different layouts every now and again - only I never know what I’ll discover when I turn up on Wednesdays.  There are always new items and always favorite ones gone.  I have to admit, the policy of having to wait 3 days to purchase a new floor item is a good one.  I haven’t come home emply handed yet…and if it was “no holds barred,” I’d be in big trouble.  I’ve bought a wine rack, chest of drawers,bedside table, rake, and mirror.  All true treasures.

Last week I came home with a pink plastic chair.  I know just what I’m gonna do with it.