Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg Holds Ribbon Cutting for Yorktown ReStore
Following a group snip, Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg celebrated the ribbon cutting of its new Yorktown ReStore on May 4, 2023.
The Yorktown ReStore opened to the public with special sales, giveaways and discounts on Saturday, May 6, 2023. The Yorktown ReStore is located at 4824 George Washington Memorial Highway, next door to Langley Federal Credit Union in Yorktown.
Janet V. Green, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg kicked off the ceremony. Remarks were also provided by Keith D. Vander Vennet, President Elect for the Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg Board of Directors; Rep. Rob Wittman, 1st District of Virginia; G. Stephen Roane, Jr., Vice Chairman, District 4 Supervisor, York County; Jonathan Epler, Vice Chairman, York County Chamber of Commerce; Robert Criner, Advisor and Former Chairman of the Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg Board of Directors; and Gary McFadden, Yorktown ReStore Store Manager.
“Habitat really is a reflection of our community,” said Wittman. “It’s seeing the need, it’s working on those needs and making sure we work in every way, shape and form to help folks across the spectrum. We know that one way we can help fill the gaps in affordable housing is all of us in the community coming together, and the ReStore plays a critical role.”
Other special guests included Sheila Noll, District 2 Supervisor, York County; Steve Kast, CEO, United Way of the Virginia Peninsula; and Kristi Olsen, Economic Development Director, York County.
The Yorktown ReStore is the third operated under the direction of Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg. The local affiliate of the international nonprofit also operates ReStores in Newport News and Williamsburg, noted as the most successful ReStores in the Commonwealth.
“I’m very proud of what Habitat has done, getting people in homes in our community, and I’m thrilled with the ReStores,” said Vander Vennet. “The important thing is that every penny raised in a ReStore goes to help build more homes right here in our community.”
The Yorktown ReStore that occupies 13,000 square feet sells new and gently used furniture, appliances, home accessories, building materials and more to the public at a fraction of the retail price, usually 30-90% off.
Inside shoppers will find a vast inventory that includes dishwashers and refrigerators, bookshelves, desks and furniture for every room, and flat screen televisions. Many items are brand new – Two Left Feet socks, mattresses of varying sizes, bedspreads, microfiber cloths, batteries, bike and kitchen accessories and gorgeous walking sticks for as little as $10. Many hardbound books are $1; paperbacks are 50 cents. Like the other ReStores, the finds will change daily so shoppers are encouraged to stop by often.
All proceeds from Habitat ReStores support the mission of building homes, communities and hope in the local community.
It costs $125,000 to construct one Habitat house. The homes are sold to families who have qualified to purchase them through the Habitat first-time Homebuyer Program.
“This new Habitat ReStore will help the organization continue its important work while also keeping the donated items out of landfills,” wrote Sen. Mark Warner in a congratulatory letter to CEO Green. “I commend your staff and volunteers for all that you do to improve the lives of others.”
Like the other local ReStores, the Yorktown location offers donation drop-offs and free donation pickup. Donations can be dropped off at the Yorktown ReStore from Monday through Saturday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Follow the signs around the building and the Habitat team will help unload your tax-deductible donation. Residences and commercial businesses can also schedule a free donation pickup online or by calling 757-932-8976.
