The ReStoration Corner

“At the end of the day, I can look back and say, ‘We got stuff done at the store and ultimately helped make a difference for people in the community.’”

John Bagaglio (or "Bags," as he's known to Twin Cities Habitat) is a part-time volunteer at the New Brighton ReStore. For a few hours a day a few days a week, he helps move donated items in and out of the shop – and to hear him tell it, he's been set on it for a while.

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.

If you’re wondering what a committed volunteer looks like, look no further than Leslie Johnson. Leslie, who goes by Les, gives his time and passion to Twin Cities Habitat both on the construction site and at ReStore.

Guest Blogger: Bryce Hoban from Hook Agency shares their ReStore volunteer experience.

First, it’s a great way to give back to the community. As a business, we not only have an obligation to help our clients succeed, but we also should be working towards making the community around us better as well. Everyone here takes pride in being a Minnesotan and living in the Twin Cities and we want to make sure we are doing our part to improving our home.

Bob Prentiss has been helping Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity for decades. When he ran his own firm of investment advisors, he volunteered as a fundraiser. 

After nearly 17 years with Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, David Michaelson retired on August 31, 2018. David has shown undeniable passion and a particular interest in green building during his time with Twin Cities Habitat.

If you walk into the Minneapolis ReStore on any given Wednesday, there's a good chance you could see Regular Volunteer, Paul H. pop out on the floor from time to time. Paul is known for his enthusiasm toward ReStore and Habitat's mission - and can often be found singing great tunes. He even makes his own versions themed after our ReStore!

Two years ago, we posted a blog about the Cristo Rey Jesuit High School Corporate Work Study Program. Students from this program spend time working at a partner organization to cultivate both experience and skills. Unlike other programs, though, it also helps to pay for their tuition.

One of the most popular items sold at the Twin Cities Habitat ReStore are Adirondack chairs and toy boxes built through youth workshops. These chairs not only generate funding for our mission, but also provide a hands-on building opportunity for volunteers who are too young to help with construction on our Habitat homes.

Meet our New Brighton ReStore wood-working volunteer, Calvin, everyone!