Habitat receives major holiday surprise

The annual Sisters Habitat for Humanity Christmas potluck had all the ingredients for the perfect Christmas party. Carols filled the air; aromas of various savory dishes tempted even the most dedicated dieter; Santa was on hand - and there was a big surprise.

The surprise came in the form of a check that opened a major door for Habitat.

"Kathy Deggendorfer, who is a part of the leadership council for the Oregon Community Foundation, came in tonight to present us a check for $15,000, and it will allow us to open the ReStore full-time and have a full-time manager," said Sharlene Weed, the executive director of Sisters Habitat for Humanity.

The changes in the hours of ReStore will begin immediately.

"Up to this time we have only been open three-and-a-half days a week, and this will allow us to be open five-and-a-half days a week," said Weed.

The extra hours of operation are expected to make a big difference for the recently-opened store.

"We expect for the sales to double now that we have a full-time staff member. Robin (Tawney) was there only two days a week. She was at the bank five days a week and at Habitat for two days. So this will be a great improvement. Having the doors open with a full-time staff and the volunteers will really help the ReStore to get up an running at a good level," said Weed.

Also laid to rest for the time being is the concern that the city might want the building back in the near future. The ReStore was only operating on a short-term lease that hung over the organization like a dark cloud.

"We also have a commitment from the city to allow us to stay in that building until October of '08," said Weed.

The brief respite will allow Habitat to regroup and make some plans for the future, according to Weed.

"We are beginning to start the conversation about what to do about the store, as we see it as being a huge success."

The annual Christmas potluck is a special time for Habitat's various volunteers and homeowners to take advantage of the opportunity to get together and enjoy in fellowship.

Tawney, who is now the new full-time manager of the ReStore, was playing the part of the sugar plum fairy much to the amusement of those present.

"I am going around and granting wishes for Christmas. If I come up to you and bonk you on the head with my magic wand, your wish is sure to come true," she said.

For information about volunteering at ReStore, contact Robin Tawney at the Habitat ReStore located at the corner of Main and Elm, or call her at 549-1621.