Habitat for Humanity opens ReStore shop

The newest Habitat for Humanity venture opened its doors to the Sisters community for the first time ever at 10 a.m. sharp last Saturday morning, April 14. Several customers were waiting and ready to spend their money when the doors were unlocked.

ReStore is a place where furniture, appliances, doors and windows abound. The shop is located in the old city hall building on Fir Street.

Lenora Fitzgerald, manager of both ReStore and Habitat's Thrift Shop on Main Avenue, explained that Habitat has arranged a lease with the city guaranteeing Habitat that they will be able to stay at the location for at least six months. After that time Habitat will be on a month-to-month arrangement.

The old city hall building has been repainted the familiar color of red that has become a trademark of the Habitat Thrift Store.

"I don't know how long we will be able to stay here, but, hopefully, we will be able to move somewhere else when the time comes for us to leave. I don't know where we will go at that time. This is a shoestring operation right now," said Fitzgerald.

The city has yet to decide the future of the property, but it is believed by Fitzgerald that eventually the city will tear the building down.

The store had only been open for a few minutes when the first purchase was made. A nice wooden chest was an attraction and strong to resist for the early shopper who decided on the piece for sure but also had her eyes on a few other treasures.

"There are a couple of other items I have my eye on, but I want to get my husband's approval before I do this," said Sisters resident Tracy Poyner, ReStore's first walk-in customer. "There are some really awesome things in here. I would encourage everyone to come and see what is here," said Poyner.

The shop is filled with goods that are donated mostly by private parties.

"The things that are here are donations, and they could have come from any place. We haven't had any donations from contractors as far as I know. They have been mostly from people who are remodeling," said Fitzgerald.

There was a wonderful vintage stove and matching refrigerator that had been brought in. Both were in nearly pristine condition. Everything worked on the appliances, and they would be a perfect addition to a retro-feel restoration project. They were examples of one man's trash being another man's treasure.

They had come from a two-story cottage that is being remodeled in the FivePine area of Sisters. There were other items from the same source, and all were in excellent condition.

"We bring everything in and clean and test the things, price them and put them out," said Fitzgerald. She indicated that she hopes to get some more stock in soon as things were already leaving the store quickly.

Habitat is interested in having any donations that are of use: furniture; appliances; windows; doors; or good building supplies to mention only a few of the broad variety of items the store will carry.

Donations are accepted only on Saturday, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.