The ReStoration Corner

Guest blog by Coleman, ReStore regular volunteer

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.

Did you know that Minnesota is number two in the country for people volunteering every year? Last year, according to the Corporation for National & Community Service, 1.9 million Minnesotans gave back by volunteering. The Twin Cities are also number one in large cities across the U.S. for volunteerism, so let's keep it up!

If you are looking for a fun and flexible way to volunteer around your college schedule, then Twin Cities Habitat ReStore is for you! 

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.

The benefits of volunteering is often unmeasurable, but several organizations have shown there are many. According to the Corporation of National Community Service, there are many intangible benefits such as improving other peoples lives and strengthening the community. There have also been studies that suggest there are significant health benefits for those who volunteer. Here at the ReStore and Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, volunteers and donors are a crucial part of fulfilling our mission of affordable housing. It's the hard work and dedication that truly strengthens our community.

When a Twin Cities Firefighter approached the ReStore with an opportunity to decorate a holiday tree to benefit Operation Warm, they jumped at the idea. Not only are ReStore volunteers decorating a tree that will be sold in a silent auction, but they are decorating several doors that will display wreaths for sale at the upcoming Minneapolis Holiday Boutique (November 10-12, 2017 at US Bank Stadium).