Habitat: Winter storms slam donations

In this February 2014 photo, Gennifer Monteer looks over the appliances currently for sale at the Habitat for Humanity Restore in Jefferson City. (News Tribune photo)
In this February 2014 photo, Gennifer Monteer looks over the appliances currently for sale at the Habitat for Humanity Restore in Jefferson City. (News Tribune photo)

River City Habitat for Humanity's ReStore has an increased need for donations because of winter weather in Mid-Missouri.

"I think because people are dealing with the weather, they're maybe thinking Habitat isn't open because of the weather or they think we might not want to come out and pick things up," said Kelly Smith, executive director of River City Habitat for Humanity.

She said the agency is running trucks two mornings a week to pick up donations.

"We want to remind people that the store's open, you can shop, you can donate," Smith said. "We could use items."

Items needed include working appliances such as stoves, refrigerators, washers, dryers and heaters. Used furniture is also a year-round need, as well as used cabinets.

For those who like to shop at the ReStore, The Holiday Inn Express is donating a truckload of microwaves, coffee makers and lamps this weekend. Funds raised by the Habitat ReStore - which is run by volunteers - help support building Habitat homes in the agency's service area.

Smith said the organization currently has four local builds under construction.

Its vision is for everyone to have a decent place to live in the community, and its mission is "Seeking to put God's love into action, River City Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope."

"The ReStore is a really nice way for people to support our mission," Smith said. "Anyone can shop there."

The ReStore, located at 1420 Creek Trail Drive, is open from 9 a.m. to noon Thursdays and Saturday, and from 12:30-5 p.m. Fridays. To schedule an item for pickup, call Colleen at the Habitat office at 635-8439 or email her at [email protected].