Randolph, NJ: The Morris Habitat for Humanity ReStore, selling gently used donated furniture, appliances, building materials and much more, recently received a huge donation of dorm furniture from New York University.  The University was redoing several dorms and wanted to donate all the furniture (desks, chairs, bedframes, lamps, etc.) to the ReStore so delivery was quickly arranged.

Through word of mouth from a friend of Rick Ostberg, the ReStore Director, a group in great need of just such items, came into the ReStore.  They spoke with Anthony Camuso, ReStore Operations Manager, who was taken aback by the timing of the request.  He was more than happy to help move that furniture right back out again!  Camuso noted that,  ”all proceeds from sales at the ReStore go towards Morris Habitat’s mission to build safe and affordable housing and to date these sales have funded eight homes, as well as keeping more than 3,000 tons of materials out of our landfills.”

What happened was that several members of the Parsippany branch of the Church of the Latter Day Saints (Mormons) had come to the ReStore after looking high and low for items to furnish apartments and study areas for their incoming missionaries.  The group has young adults that come from all parts of the country and stay 18-24 months in the New York and New Jersey area.  They expect to have 240 missionaries over the course of this next year.  The church purchased approximately 70 desks, 20 dressers, 75 chairs, 60 hutches and 13 lamps and could have used even more!.

Sister Marti Malsom, Missionary and Housing Coordinator, who is working in the area from Kentucky, said that, “it was perfect for us, just what we were looking for and we’re hoping that the ReStore will be able to get more furniture for us.”  Each of the missionary apartments is set up with two beds, dressers, desks and lamps with either hutches or shelving.

Recently, Sister Malsom and her husband were back at the ReStore, just to look around, and told Camuso that their President, Elder Jon Jeppson, felt that a great deal of stress had been lifted from their shoulders and the mission saved a great deal of  of money.

This is what the ReStore is all about donated materials kept from the landfill are sold to raise money for building affordable housing and are put to good use by new homeowners, apartment dwellers, do-it-youselfers, and those like the members of this church.  Stories like this make the many volunteers and staff of Morris Habitat feel a real sense of purpose!

Donations and shoppers are always welcome at the Restore, located at 274 S. Salem St., Randolph, NJ.  Hours are Wed-Fri 10-6, Thursday 10-8 and Saturday and Sunday 10-5. To learn more go to www.morrisrestore.orgor call 973-366-3358.

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About Morris Habitat for Humanity

Morris Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit housing agency dedicated to providing decent, affordable housing for low-income families in Morris County and the surrounding New Jersey area.  Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Morris Habitat builds and rehabilitates houses in partnership with families in need.  Since 1985 Morris Habitat has served 249 households though home ownership opportunities, home preservation, and international home building programs. In addition, proceeds from our ReStore, opened May 2007, have built 8 homes and diverted over 3,000 tons of useable material out of landfills.  For more information about Morris Habitat call 973-891-1934 or visit www.morrishabitat.org

About Morris Habitat ReStore

Operated by Morris Habitat for Humanity, the ReStore sells donated building supplies and furnishings at huge savings off normal retail costs. Proceeds from the store have funded the construction of 8 houses since 2007 and kept more than 3,000 tons of material out of landfills. Information on donating, volunteering, or any other aspect of the ReStore can be found on its website atwww.morrisrestore.org or by calling (973) 366-3358.

Located at 274 South Salem Street, Randolph, NJ 07869, the ReStore is open Wednesday-Friday 10-6, Thursday 10-8, Saturday 10-5, and Sunday 10-5.  Cash, debit cards, Visa and Mastercard are accepted. Donation drop offs can be made during store hours, or for larger items call 973-366-3358 to schedule a pick-up. Donations are tax-deductible.

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