MONTGOMERY, Ill., July 3, 2020 — Montgomery-based Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity will open a ReStore specializing in new and gently used home goods in west Aurora.

Judd Lofchie, real estate broker, attorney and Aurora 10th Ward alderman, made the announcement. Habitat will fill spaces vacated by Office Depot and Party City at 2292 and 2302 W. Indian Indian Trail, totaling 32,452 square feet.

Lofchie said, “The spaces have been vacant for years and the news brings much needed life into the vacant development adjacent to the closed Cosmopolitan/Lowes.

“It took months of working closely with Habitat to work out a mutually beneficial lease for the landlord and Habitat. I believe in this current economic climate ReStore will provide a much-needed niche to help residents save money. They will focus on building materials like cabinets and doors, tools, and appliances,” said Lofchie.

He negotiated with landlord Dan Daghfal to secure ReStore into his large vacant boxes. Daghfal said, “I have always liked the ReStore by the Fox Valley Mall. I did not know the depth of their cause and work. So, after Judd explained it to me, I was more than happy to drop my price to get them in.”

Rev. Jeff Barrett, Habitat executive director and pastor at Genesis Community Church in Montgomery said, “We are excited to open a large ReStore on Aurora’s west side. The profits from the store will allow us to increase our affordable housing ministry in the Fox Valley.”

Aurora’s new ReStore location will focus on new and gently used furniture, home goods, flooring, tools, building materials and appliances Rev. Barrett said. He hopes to begin online sales about July 15.

According to Rev. Barrett, Habitat has helped 278 people and 69 families obtain housing in the Fox Valley. Habitat partners with residents in need of affordable shelter by building new homes with the recipients contributing a major sweat-equity investment. Habitat’s current project, a duplex sponsored by area realtors and others, is underway at 829-831 Grove St. in Aurora.

Barb Zegiel, Habitat funds coordinator, said the ReStore is seeking gently used furniture, appliances, sinks, cabinets, lighting fixtures, tools, household items and building materials. We will not accept clothes, shoes, used mattresses or pillows, used rugs or carpet.”

Zegiel added, “In addition to helping reuse and recycle, your donations are also tax deductible. Your throw-aways can be someone else’s treasures.”

Call (630) 206-5038 or email b.zegiel@Foxvalleyhabitat.org to schedule a porch or garage pickup.

Founded in 1988, Fox Valley Habitat is a nondenominational Christian housing ministry based at Genesis Community Church in Montgomery. In addition to offices at Genesis, Habitat maintains a warehouse at 250 S. Highland Ave. in Aurora. Fox Valley Habitat is an independent affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, an international Christian housing ministry.

Volunteers and donors are needed to continue the ministry. Visit http://www.chicagolandhabitat.org/.

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Al Benson

Freelance Photo-Journalist

Al Benson is an Aurora-based freelance photo-journalist. He is currently an archives research specialist at Aurora University. His work has appeared in The Voice, The Daily Herald, The Beacon-News, and the Chicago Tribune.