eVolunteer Shares Habitat ReStore eStore’s Treasures on TikTok

Nancy Cowhey found more than shabby chic and vintage treasures shopping at the Habitat for Humanity ReStores in Williamsburg, Yorktown and Newport News.
She discovered a mission that speaks to her heart, inspiring her to volunteer on behalf of Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg.
Cowhey donates her Fridays to the Habitat ReStore eStore, an online shop full of unique items that range from a Department 56 Mother Goose set to a Wedgewood plate to European art prints. All proceeds go toward building affordable housing for families.
“I’ve been interested in vintage and antiques all my life, and the eStore has some really special things,” Cowhey said.

Cowhey adores the farmhouse bench she purchased and repainted a green shabby chic. She even toted it to a park for family photos and adds, “It looks great in my kitchen.”
She also repurposed a small table using the ReStore’s RECOLOR paint, premium, recycled paint professionally made from all brands of surplus latex paint.
Followers of @restorepgw on TikTok know Cowhey for her weekly updates, “Nancy here…”. She shares three of her favorite finds. That list has included a handblown Romanian ice bucket, a charming Greek statue of a goddess made in Italy and an Alton Brown autographed first edition cookbook.

Cowhey works under Jennifer Pye, Habitat Procurement Manager, who regards her as a dear friend.
“Nancy is an absolute treasure. She always has a smile on her face, ready to share a laugh,” Pye said.
Cowhey resides in Gloucester with her husband, Patrick, who is retired Air Force. Their four children are grown, and they’re expecting a 14th grandchild. Patrick’s service led them to live in multiple places overseas, which helps her research to describe items donated to the eStore. For example, the staff was stumped on the story behind a painting that she immediately recognized as a bridge by Heidelberg Castle in Germany.
When her children moved into homes, they found collectibles at the eStore and inexpensive furniture at the ReStore.

“So many things you find are better quality than something you would buy new today,” Cowhey said.
Cowhey only discovered the mission of Habitat by shopping in the ReStore. Though she had heard of Habitat for Humanity most of her life, she knew little about the first-time Homebuyer Program, which helps families build strength and stability through homeownership.
“One of the things that most people want is that foundation of a home,” Cowhey said. “If you don’t have that feeling, you don’t have your feet on the ground. Habitat gives this opportunity of a lifetime for families to have a home, a structure to give them stability and closeness. It’s amazing to me.”
She is also impressed by the commitment of the ReStore volunteers.
“These are people who are very well trained and educated and could do so many things with their time and talents. These people are helping someone they won’t meet be able to have a home. ReStore volunteers give so much.
“Some come in every single day and love what they do. It’s almost like giving a kidney to someone you don’t know.”
Celebrating 40 Years of Impact
Nancy Cowhey’s volunteer work with the ReStore eStore is just one of many stories that showcase the power of Habitat for Humanity. Its mission draws people in and transforms them into ambassadors for the cause of affordable housing for all.
As Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg celebrates 40 years of building homes, communities and hope, we’re sharing 40 inspiring stories of the people, families and organizations whose lives have been changed through this work.
Volunteers like this play a crucial role, but the impact wouldn’t be possible without generous donors as well. Whether you give your time at the ReStore, support home builds, or donate furniture, every contribution helps create decent, affordable housing for those in need.
Stay tuned for more stories of transformation, and if you’re inspired, consider joining our mission—whether by volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word. Because together, we’re building more than homes. We’re building hope.