Habitat ReStore opens in Commerce

Right now the shelves are mostly bare in the 8,400-square-foot building, and as of Tuesday morning there was no signage identifying the store, but manager Vince Mercardante hopes that will soon change.

“We’re looking for donations,” Mercardante noted. “We’re just like Peace Place and the Potter’s House. Everything is donated. We need to fill our store up and we’re trying to encourage donations.”

ReStore hours are 9-5 Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The store is closed Sundays and Mondays.

It will offer clothing, bric-a-brac, books, shoes and some building materials. It will also accept donated cars and boats. All donations are tax deductible.

“We serve the public in two ways,” said Mercardante, a retired pastor. “We offer affordable merchandise to people and the proceeds we make go to further help the community by building homes.”

The Jackson County affiliate of Habitat for Humanity has built eight homes.

While every Georgia county is eligible to have a Habitat for Humanity affiliate, there are only 32 Re-Stores in Georgia.

“At Habitat ReStore we believe in our community,” Mercardante said. “Together, we can help others in their time of need. You can help by bringing us your good usable and resalable donations that we can offer in our store. If you have any questions as to what we can and cannot take, please call the store at 706-336-8515. We are also receiving automobiles and boats. Again, please call for information on these items. We may even be able to pick up certain items from your home or business depending on the size and quantity of these things.

“Churches and civic organizations can also help. Perhaps as an outreach to your ministry or organization, you could consider having a book, clothing, or furniture drive to help or you could just come by to volunteer. Call us for information on volunteering.”