Everyone knows The Sea Island Habitat ReStore is one of the hottest resale stores in town, but not many people know just how important the ReStore is to supporting our mission, all the hard work that goes into operating the store, and how it has become a wonderful social hub for our community. Read the interview below with Cindy and Matt to learn more about our amazing ReStore, its hardworking staff, and their loyal volunteers.
- Cindy, How long have you been working at the ReStore?
Cindy has been the ReStore Scheduler for 5 years! We have staff that have been here for 3 months to 13 years. Matt, our ReStore Manager, has been here the longest and worked his way up from helping in the warehouse, to driver, to assistant manager, and has been with our ReStore for a total of 13 years!
2. How many furniture pickups does the team do monthly?
We pick up Monday through Friday. Most days we run one truck and there are a few days that we are able to two trucks running. The areas that we cover are Johns, James, Kiawah and Seabrook Island, as well as Hollywood, Ravenel, and Wadmalaw. . We do on average 265 pick ups per month, so about 3,180 a year. Our in-home pick up service is FREE so it is a win, win!
3. How much revenue did the ReStore produce this year?
The ReStore is one of our three fundraising arms, with donors and mortgages being the other two. The ReStore alone raises about $1 million each year that goes directly into building supplies to build between 6-8 houses each year!
4. Do you have any employees or volunteers that you’d like to give a special shout out to for their work this month?
All of our employees, and especially the volunteers, are fabulous and provide pieces of the puzzle that make it possible for our success. We would love to give an extra shout out to Ms. Sandra! She has been volunteering for 2 years and comes every Tuesday, all day. She is one of the most positive and kind people you will ever meet and we are just one of the many places where Ms. Sandra gives back to her community!
5. What is your favorite thing about the ReStore?
The community! Most people know Bruce, Gina and Charlotte as they are the face of the ReStore, welcoming you in and checking you out at the front register. Our regulars know that we are THE Johns Island social center and when we see them, it's like our friends and family are stopping by to say “hi”. Kate, our Assistant Manager says it best about our mission and why we all work here: that it's neighbors helping neighbors!
6. What is your least favorite thing about the ReStore?
Summers can be brutal with those 100 degree temps. Our guys on the truck and at the shop; Jason, Omar, Tyler, Todd, Joel and Matt really give it their all every day. Carrying and loading furniture in any weather is not easy even though they make it look that way! They are truly amazing and we are so thankful for them.
7. Do you have any goals for the 2024-2025 year?
We want to continue to strengthen our relationships with our local residents, builders, contractors and companies as well as connect with some of the new developments. It's those connections and donations that help keep local Sea Island Habitat homeowners close to their roots.
8. What is something that people might not know that the ReStore offers?
We offer free deconstruction! We can come in and remove materials that can be salvaged for resale such as kitchen cabinets, doors, vanities and other fixtures that are in good reusable condition. This service reduces landfill materials generated by remodeling and demolition projects. It also provides affordable building supplies to people in the community and most of all generates funds to build Sea Island Habitat homes.
