The ReStoration Corner

Bicycle Benefits is a program which encourages citizens to bike more regularly to more places. Local organizations and businesses offer special discounts for those that show up on their bike and wish to make a purchase. And you can save big at ReStore!

***We're temporarily closing ReStore and realize this will effect build time for our upcyclers. The upcycle challenge is postponed. Read our Coronavirus Response page for updates***

We're happy to announce that Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity ReStore is hosting its 3rd Upcycle Challenge! The challenge theme was created around a common problem we all face at one point or another. How do we store and organize our stuff?

Don't let your annual spring cleaning sneak up on you. Whether you're going to dedicate an entire day to decluttering your home or garage, or you only have 10 minutes to spare, we've got some ideas to get you on your way to a clutter free home!

Regular ReStore shoppers may have already noticed, but our New Brighton location is expanding. ReStore sales have grown month over month which is one reason why our home improvement outlet needs to grow. This expansion has created an anticipated challenge, and we need your help. We need donations to help fill the new space!

In 2012 Don Gustafson was hired as a Donations Receiving Assistant, otherwise known as the  ReStore donation truck driver. He’s since logged more than 100,000 miles for ReStore, and operated in all types of weather. The temperature has ranged from -25 to 105 degrees, and has endured a lot wind, rain, and snow.  

Don has since retired but found his way back to ReStore to assist when donation pick up requests skyrocket. I guess this technically isn't a retirement when he’s still driving a ReStore truck. “I tried retirement; it didn't take,” says Don. “This job remains the most interesting position I have held in my 50+ years of work experience. I give my customers back the space in their garages, while telling them about the work we do at the ReStore to support Habitat for Humanity's mission.”  

The demand and need of a home improvement outlet in our community is evident with over 18,000 donations a year and over 58,000 shoppers a year at ReStore. Year over year growth has resulted in one thing for our New Brighton location... We must expand! 

Sadie was a first-time contender in the Freestyle Flip Upcycle Challenge and she won! After a short conversation, it was clear why everyone loved her creation. Sadie had a ton of experience with upcycling, designing, and creating things from recycled items so this wasn't her first curtain call.

Back in August, ReStore announce its second Upcycle Challenge where people competed in upcycling and transforming items found on the sales floor. Each participant was given up to $50 worth of merchandise or material. The goal was to use your creativity to build anything you could imagine. No limits! Sadie had heard of the first ReStore Upcycle Challenge and decided this time, she was in!

Guest blog post by Dunwoody College students.

Last month, a group of students from Dunwoody College volunteered at the ReStore in Minneapolis. Our group is called Kate’s Club, which is named after Kate Dunwoody, one of the founders of our college. Kate Dunwoody was a philanthropist and a champion of women’s rights in the late 1800s in Minneapolis. Kate’s Club is a group of women students who keep Kate’s legacy alive by doing community service on campus and in the community.

When the winter holidays roll around, it's often time to spend big bucks on gifts for friends and family. Well, you don't have to break the bank or spend any time in long lines at big box stores. With a little elbow grease and a trip to ReStore, you can whip up some homemade gifts for under $5 each.

We had nine creative entries for the Freestyle Flip Upcycle Challenge. In contrast to the Earth Day Upcycle Challenge where people gave a chair some flair, this "freestyle" competition was different. Participants didn't have any limitations or material restrictions. And as you can see from all of the entries posted on Facebook, there was a variety of projects, big and small.