Charity Partner Profile: Rockville’s Habitat ReStore Metro Maryland

Part of the 123JUNK initiative is to recycle our finds back into the community whenever we can. And this means working closely with charity partners like Habitat for Humanity ReStore Metro Maryland. Located at 1029 East Gude Drive in Rockville, this ReStore offers a shoppers’ mecca for donated furniture and household goods that is “bigger than anything I’ve seen!” exclaimed Will Freeburger, General Manager for 123JUNK’s new Rockville office.

ReStore Rockville

It was just a year ago, in February 2016, that ReStore Rockville moved into its almost 22,000-square-foot facility, literally doubling its previous space; www.Habitatmm.org.

The sole purpose of ReStore is to raise money to build affordable housing in its community by taking donated items and reselling them for a low price in their stores. Among the types of donated items are furniture, home décor, tools, hardware, and appliances (less than 10 years old). All proceeds go toward their mission.

“Each ReStore is a little different and reflects the local community’s donations, and ours seems to get a lot of furniture and home décor,” explained manager Alena Biagas. ”It may be because our area is very transient, with Government jobs and seniors who are downsizing.”

“We are also a green company, looking to be environmentally responsible,” she continued. “That is why it’s a win/win with 123JUNK. We don’t want to have to throw things away, especially if they can be reused, recycled or recreated.” When coming here to shop, be sure to bring your measurements, as the store cannot hold items for you, and items sell quickly.

“123JUNK has been very helpful in providing quality donations to us. They are very eco-conscious and ethical about making the effort not to contribute to our huge problem of landfill waste, even though it may be cheaper and easier just to take everything to the dump. And what surprises me is that they often know something about the pieces they bring us. Often the items are of far better quality than you could go out and buy today, they are sometimes even antiques. But they’re definitely not junk. In fact, I furnished my own home with items from my ReStore.”

“People sometimes think that we take items out of homes we’re rehabbing, however, what we sell is strictly from donations,” Biagas said. “Our homes are built from the ground up, and in most cases, the appliances are new from major companies who donate them to us.”

The Rockville Habitat for Humanity ReStore is open 9-6 Monday through Saturday, and 10-4 on Sundays. Donation hours open one hour later and close one hour earlier.

123JUNK Can Deliver Your Donations

If you have items to donate, please contact 123JUNK to schedule your pickup. We’ll be glad to deliver your donations and provide you with a photographic record and a receipt for your tax deductions. Call 123JUNK today.