Habitat for Humanity will open its ReStores in Chattanooga and Ooltewah this week to accept donations to aid families affected by the recent tornadoes.
The home-improvement resale stores have been shuttered due to coronavirus concerns, but Glen Golden, ReStore district manager, said restocking the stores can help in the community rebuilding effort.
"With the recent Easter tornadoes and storms, we want to be available to accept items that we can then make available to those who are rebuilding their lives," Golden said. "Our stores play a valuable role in instances like this, and we will do all we can to make sure our stores are thoroughly cleaned and ready to assist those in need."
Beginning Thursday, April 23, the stores will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, for donation drop-offs only.
"The stores are not going to be open [to shoppers] just yet," said Robin Derryberry of Derryberry Public Relations. Store staff will be "cleaning everything that comes in - crazy cleaning - and getting things ready so that when people do come in they'll feel really confident that everything is clean and safe."
Donations will be limited to certain merchandise, including new and gently used appliances, furniture, home accessories and building materials. For now, no home pickups will be scheduled.
At a glance
Habitat for Humanity’s ReStores will accept donations starting Thursday, April 23.* Chattanooga store: 1150 E. 14th St.* Ooltewah store: 9408 Apison Pike* Drop-off hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday (both locations).* For more information: 423-634-1004.
With their eclectic mix of merchandise, Habitat ReStores have been likened to a cross between Goodwill outlets and lumber yards. Building contractors often drop off new and recycled construction goods, including lumber, windows and siding, and homeowners donate items ranging from antique furniture to knickknacks.
Habitat sorts and displays the donated items and typically sells the goods to the public at 50 to 70 percent off original prices.
"It's amazing what you can find," Derryberry said. "Anything from Crock-Pots and dishes to doorknobs."
Sales revenue helps Habitat build homes for low- and moderate-income families. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Area has been at work locally since 1986, completing 283 homes, to date, to shelter more than 1,000 men, women and children.
The international faith-based nonprofit organization opened the Chattanooga store, at 1150 E. 14th St., in 2004. The Ooltewah store, at 9408 Apison Pike, opened in 2017.
For more information on particular types of accepted donations, call 423-634-1004.
Contact Lisa Denton at ldenton@timesfreepress.com.
File Photo / Glen Golden is district manager of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Area's ReStores.