The Bowling Green Habitat for Humanity ReStore is close to reaching their fundraising goal for the month of March.

The ReStore sets a fundraising goal every month in order to assist Habitat for Humanity of Bowling Green in building houses for the community. A marker board sign informs customers and supporters of how much money has been raised when they walk in the store.

Matt Sheffield, ReStore manager, said the store’s goal is to reach $31,000 this month.

“We are currently at $24,078,” he said.

The ReStore sells new and used donated home goods, including furniture, refrigerators, sinks, dishes and other things. All the proceeds go to support the work for Habitat for Humanity of Bowling Green to help others in the community build homes.

Sheffield said he spends his time working in the ReStore and focuses on raising the money for Habitat for Humanity so they can build houses.

“Most of the time, Habitat builds while we work,” Sheffield said. “So, we don’t really have the opportunity to help build. Our main focus is raising money so they are able to build houses.”

Rodney Goodman, executive director of the ReStore, said the ReStore and Habitat for Humanity’s overall mission is to help the people of Bowling Green get back on their feet. He said the mission statement revolves around three things: strength, stability and self-reliance.

“Our mission is that we build strength, stability and self-reliance with folks,” he said. “Whenever we build houses for Habitat for Humanity, we don’t build the houses for them. We build the houses together. We use shelter to help people become strong, stable, and self-reliant.”

Goodman said the store sells an eclectic array of things for everyone to enjoy.

“We like to joke if Goodwill and Home Depot had a baby, it would be the ReStore,” Goodman said.

Goodman said the ReStore not only benefits Habitat for Humanity but it also the environment.

“The ReStore helps keep things out of the landfill,” he said. “It helps keeps the environment safe in a way that’s responsible while also helping the local community.”

The ReStore accepts donations from businesses, retailers, individuals, churches and other sources. The store even offers a pick-up service in Warren County. There is a pick-up service form on the ReStore’s website where individuals can file a request to have someone pick up items that need donating.

“It gives others an opportunity to help without giving money,” Goodman said. “Not only can people benefit from this service, but the ReStore benefits too.”

Volunteers are also welcome at Habitat for Humanity. Goodman said the ReStore has volunteers all of the time, and that they really help out.

“People can do their community service here too,” he said. “All you have to do is call the ReStore and find out about becoming a volunteer.”

Maggie Sullivan, a senior from Louisville and volunteer at Habitat for Humanity and the ReStore, said she enjoyed helping people around the community.

“Volunteering with Habitat is always a good stress relief,” she said. “Whether you’re building a new home or cleaning donated furniture for the ReStore, it’s all about the people.”

If you are interested in volunteering at the ReStore, Habitat for Humanity or getting some overall information, call (270) 901-0150. The ReStore is located at 1232 Adams Street.

Reporter Brooke Wright can be reached at 270-745-6291 and [email protected].