New Brighton ReStore Reaches 1,000 Monthly Donations

The Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity ReStore Home Improvement Outlet in New Brighton has hit a major milestone. For the last three months, the store has received more than 1,000 donations per month. As a result, the New Brighton ReStore has moved into the Top 20 among 900 ReStore outlets nationwide.

Pete O’Keefe, ReStore Senior Operations Manager for both the New Brighton and Minneapolis ReStore locations, credits the local community for the ReStore’s success.

“Considering that our New Brighten store has only been in its current location since 2009, it’s a significant achievement to be named a Top 20 ReStore for highest monthly donation drop-offs.” He added, “Our recycling-minded community, plus a pleasant team at our door, seem to be the reasons why.”

Pete says that most donations occur from homeowners within five miles of the store, and its location near I-35W and County Road D make it an easily accessible location.

Both ReStore locations have a donation door, similar to a Goodwill, so vehicles can drive right up and have their donations unloaded by a team of ReStore staff and volunteers. This speeds up the process, but it’s so popular that there are often a few cars in line to donate. Scott McGinnis works for the ReStore now, but had been volunteering for about 15 years—often at the donation door. He estimates traffic has doubled in the last two years.

What Can I Donate?


“I think more people know about us now,” Scott says, explaining the increase in traffic. “And people who donate stuff didn’t realize they could shop at the store, and that it’s open to the public.” All donors are given a 20% off coupon for the store, so more donors lead to more shoppers.

More donations ensure the inventory is constantly changing, encouraging shoppers to stop by more often. That’s good news for Jill Carmody, ReStore Manager for both stores.

“Our donation drop-offs are the bread and butter of what makes the ReStore a great treasure hunt,” Jill says. “Our shoppers are always motivated to come back and see what is new with a selection that changes every day. The donation drop-offs have low overhead for us and that gives us more funds to build Habitat homes.”

People often donate when they clean out their home or garage, go through a remodeling project, or move. Donations include home furnishings, furniture, and building supplies which are sold to the public for a fraction of the cost. The proceeds help local families buy a safe, stable, affordable home with Habitat. Check out all the different materials accepted for donation.

Donors are often happy to know that their donations will find a home with another family, and the proceeds from that sale will go toward building a Habitat home. 

ReStore Locations and Hours

Donation pickups are available Monday – Friday for larger or higher-volume donations.

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