Special to the OBSERVER
Habitat for Humanity has existed in Chautauqua County since 1989, and has completed 24 homes with affordable mortgages with no interest for low income families.
Habitat for Humanity is a "hand-up" not a "hand-out" organization. It provides an opportunity for those less fortunate to take control of their own futures, and realize their home ownership dreams.
Construction is currently under way on a house at 64 W. Chautauqua St. in Mayville for a family of five.
Buffalo Habitat for Humanity is much larger than Chautauqua Area Habitat for Humanity (CAHfH), and is thus able to maintain two ReStore operations in its region. ReStore is a retail outlet that sells 100 percent donated new and gently used goods to benefit Buffalo Habitat for Humanity. They sell many different types of items in the way of home furnishings and improvement materials.
CAHfH is partnering with Buffalo Habitat to gather donations that can be sold at the south area Buffalo ReStore at 1675 South Park Ave. in South Buffalo.
Why do this? First of all, by collecting gently used and new goods, the group is keeping these goods out of landfills, and are making them available to families in need of a variety of goods, some of which may be used for home improvement projects.
Secondly, it can bring awareness to local efforts, and hopefully inspire more people to volunteer their time and/or to donate to local projects.
Thirdly, it can provide a useful service to people who would rather donate their goods than sell them via yard sale, Craigslist, or classified ad.
To those ends, the North County Satellite of Chautauqua Area Habitat for Humanity will hold a ReStore Donation Day on May 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Christ Chapel Wesleyan Church, Buffalo Street, Silver Creek, where people's donations will be loaded into a ReStore truck for delivery to the South Buffalo ReStore.
ReStore donations may include, but are not limited to:
Electrical & Plumbing Parts and Fixtures (old models, replacement parts, obsolete materials)
Furniture (something that you would consider buying second hand; i.e., useable)
Hardware (nails, bolts, hand and power tools, etc.)
Flooring (hardwood, ceramic, vinyl, rugs & sizeable remnants)
Large and Small Appliances (used appliances less than 10 years old in workable condition, but no TVs)
Windows and Doors that can be used again
Kitchen & Bathroom Cabinetry/Fixtures
PLEASE, no used electronic devices, such as televisions, computers, cell phones, etc.
All donations are tax-deductible and allow for the responsible recycling of usable goods.
We are working to make this a true event, where donors can also learn about worship and service opportunities in our community. We are also inviting members of churches to join us there with an information table and/or items for sale to bring awareness of your church's efforts in our community. Benefits to churches are simple but great.
Partnering with Habitat for Humanity, an ecumenical Christian organization, allows congregants to put their faith into action without wielding a hammer or attending a meeting. The name recognition of being partnered with Habitat for Humanity can provide great opportunities for people to become more involved with an organization with opportunities for all sorts of volunteer work.
For further information about donations or information table opportunities, e-mail mkurzawa6@gmail.com or call 934-9543.
