MONTGOMERY, Ill., July 16, 2020 — Montgomery-based Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity will open a west Aurora ReStore, a resale store specializing in new and gently used home goods, on Sept. 25 at 2302 W. Indian Trail in Aurora.

The public is invited. A grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony is set for 11 a.m. Highlighting the ceremony will be a raffle drawing for a 1967 Chevrolet Camaro provided by an anonymous donor. Tickets, $100 each, go on sale at a Habitat fun fair and car show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 25. Only 400 tickets will be sold through from July 25 to Sept. 24.

The ReStore will fill spaces vacated by Office Depot and Party City, 32,452 square feet, and focus on new and gently used furniture, home goods, flooring, tools, building materials and appliances

Barbara Zegiel, Habitat funds coordinator, said donations are needed to stock the ReStore. Donations can be dropped off on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Porch or garage pickup of donations is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Call (630) 206-5038.

Donors will receive a 50% off coupon for one item in the store.

Items being accepted are cabinets, new and used, undamaged, up-to-date with all parts; plumbing  fixtures, parts and supplies, used toilets under five years old, used faucets under three years old; electrical fixtures, parts and supplies; windows with unbroken, insulated glass; hardware knobs, hinges, locks, nails, cabinet pulls, nuts, bolts, screws; lumber 6 feet long; doors, interior and exterior, with jambs; roofing, in full bundles of three minimum; Insulation, full bales and sheets; carpet, new only, rolled and labeled with size, area rugs; tools, hand, garden and power tools; flooring, wood,  ceramic tile and vinyl; millwork and trim, lengths over 4 feet; countertops, granite, solid surface, new laminate; appliances in working order, less than eight years old for pick up; furniture, must be in excellent condition; landscaping, blocks and materials; paint, new or unused latex; miscellaneous, masonry, sheathing siding, drywall supplies.

Items not accepted are  clothing and home goods, lead-based materials; used tub surrounds, paint, stain or varnish (opened), toxic materials, used blinds, wallpaper, used carpet pad, used shutters, electronics, aluminum or vinyl siding (unless new and large volume), window parts and pieces, used carpeting and vinyl flooring, lumber, drywall, styrofoam, used hot water heaters, car accessories, glass, used garbage disposals and trash compactors.

Founded in 1988, Fox Valley Habitat is a nondenominational Christian housing ministry based at Genesis Community Church in Montgomery. Since its inception, Habitat has helped 278 local 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. 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. Call (630) 206-5038 or 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.