ReStore to celebrate its first year

Sisters Habitat for Humanity's ReStore has been in business a little over 11 months. During that period of time, the store has contributed over $40,000 to the Habitat for Humanity Building Fund and in the process has kept some 224,000 pounds or 112 tons of "stuff" out of local landfills.

On Friday, April 11 the community is invited to help ReStore celebrate these accomplishments at its one-year anniversary celebration. The store's mascot Miss Jenni, who adopted the store during a recent cat adoption event, will be the party's official greeter. Her "tested and approved" seal now appears on many of the store's products.

The party will be held in the ReStore premises, at 150 N. Fir Street, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Wine and cheese along with coffee and cake will be served and drawings will be held. A 1920 quilt and a limited edition Ray Eyerly print will also be raffled.

When the Habitat for Humanity board agreed to try a ReStore in Sisters, no one knew how the community would receive the shop. According to store manager Robin Tawney, the board hoped the store would clear $15,000 during its first year of operation for Habitat's building fund.

"Our mission just like the Thrift Store is to make money to build houses," said Tawney.

Not only has ReStore nearly tripled that original goal in its first year, the store has also established itself as a place where people like to come to look for bargains.

"They know the quality is going to be good," said Tawney. "We try to get things that are in the best shape possible, even though they are used."

ReStore is additionally providing an important service to people who have moved to the area with few possessions.

"Renting a U-Haul is pretty darn expensive. It's like 79 cents a mile," Tawney said.

According to Tawney, one young couple recently moved to the area from Alaska.

"They pretty much just moved down in their van. They are getting things slowly but surely," she said.

Another couple who moved to the area about a year ago has furnished about half of their house from ReStore, she added.

Students also come to ReStore to furnish their apartments.

"They come in here, and they are so excited because they can buy a bed and a couch and a desk and maybe a TV for under $100," said Tawney.

The store recently conducted a canned foods drive for the Kiwanis Food Bank, In turn for every three cans of food donated, ReStore gave a 25 percent off coupon on purchases at the store. It also donates furniture items when called upon to do so by FAN.

The store is open everyday except Monday and is staffed by a group of 12 regular volunteers. Some work as many as two full days a week; others work only once a month. More volunteers are always welcome. For information contact Tawney at 549-1621.