MORGANTOWN — The Morgantown ReStore will host its first Spring Fling event to celebrate Earth Week and encourage sustainable living.
“We hope to make it an all-around, good community event,” said Dolores John, president of the Mon Valley Habitat for Humanity board of directors.
The event is scheduled for 10 a.m.-2 p.m. April 24, and will give visitors a chance to view used inventory as well new merchandise from a large department retail chain at nearly 50% off.
The Morgantown ReStore is a nonprofit resale organization, which funds the construction of Habitat for Humanity homes locally. Donated items are then sold in-store and go toward supporting the organization’s mission. All revenue from the Spring Fling event will go toward supporting Mon Valley Habitat for Humanity, to build houses for families in need.
Along with encouraging residents to buy used items, the ReStore hopes to encourage donations. As spring arrives and spring cleaning jumps to the top of many to-do lists, the organization hopes residents will donate used items rather than send them to a landfill.
To further follow the organization’s motto, “Use Today, Reuse Tomorrow,” the first 50 customers in line, or any customers who bring aluminum cans to be recycled, will receive a 20% off coupon for one item.
Earth-friendly activities for children will also be available, including making bird feeders from pine cones, a scavenger hunt and educational activities centered around recycling. Complimentary drinks will be provided, and the Cheese Louise food truck will be on-site.
“I hope that there is a great turnout,” said Interim Executive Director Tina Turner. “Even if the weather is not fantastic, we’re still going to have some stations set up inside for the kids.”
The Morgantown ReStore serves residents in Marion, Monongalia and Preston counties. Along with celebrating Earth Week, the organization hopes to draw attention to the important role the ReStore serves in the community.
“I’m constantly amazed when I talk to people in the public that they don’t even know that there’s a Habitat affiliate here and that they don’t know that there’s a ReStore,” John said. “When you donate to Habitat for Humanity and the ReStore, you’re really donating back to our own community.”
Shaun Peggs, ReStore manager, said during the past year the Mon Valley Habitat for Humanity has been able to build about six houses in Monongalia County. He said events like the Spring Fling help to remind the community the ReStore is still active and continues to accept donations.
He said the organization has stayed in operation throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and helping families in need has continued to be a priority.
“They’re safe and they’re secure, and they’re in our hearts,” Peggs said. “With or without COVID, we are fully behind them.”
The ReStore accepts donations, including items such as appliances and building products, furniture, home goods, and household fixtures, such as lighting and cabinets. Donations can be brought directly to the ReStore, or pickup for items at homes or businesses within all three counties can be scheduled.
Those interested in donating or to schedule a pick-up can call the donation line at 304-291-2991.
The Mon Valley Habitat for Humanity is also always looking for new volunteers interested in giving back to the community. For more information about Mon Valley Habitat for Humanity, visit www.monvalleyhfh.org.
TWEET @DominionPostWV
