The ReStoration Corner

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!

Guest Blog by Jeff Craig
University of St. Thomas Student

Signing up for college service hours somewhere in the Twin Cities? Flexible hours plus a fun and physical environment are often a student’s key objectives. These were met by signing up at the Minneapolis Habitat for Humanity ReStore, a non-profit thrift store that is located a short three mile drive west of campus and adjacent to the Midtown Greenway bike path.

Bihari Desai first started volunteering with Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity when he worked at Xcel Energy, but his passion to give back would last beyond his professional career.

Now a retired project manager, Bihari volunteers for two four-hour shifts each week at Habitat for Humanity's ReStore. As a volunteer, he stocks and organizes shelves, disassembles and organizes scrap metal, and helps customers. He is one one of 40 regular volunteers that help run both Twin Cities Habitat ReStore locations.