Morris Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit housing agency dedicated to providing decent, affordable housing for low-income families in Morris County and the surrounding New Jersey area.  Its ReStore, 274 S. Salem St., Randolph, which sells gently used donated furniture, appliances, building materials and much more, recently received a huge donation of dorm furniture from New York University, which was renovating several of its dorms.  Arrangements were then made to deliver the donations, which included desks, chairs, bedframes, lamps, and more, to the ReStore.

They didn’t make their home at the Randolph location for long, however: Rick Ostberg, the ReStore director, soon learned from a friend that there was a local group in great need of just such items, and Anthony Camuso, ReStore operations manager, was more than happy to help move that furniture right back out again when the group made its purchase. 

The Parsippany branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) had come to the ReStore after looking high and low for items to furnish apartments and study areas for their incoming missionaries, who travel to the New Jersey/New York area for an extended stay.  The church purchased approximately 70 desks, 20 dressers, 75 chairs, 60 hutches and 13 lamps — and could have used even more. As Sister Marti Malsom, the church’s missionary and housing coordinator, who is working in the area from Kentucky, said, “It was perfect for us, just what we were looking for.” Each of the missionary apartments is set up with two beds, dressers, desks and lamps with either hutches or shelving. She also mentioned that the purchase had alleviated a great deal of stress and money for the church in preparing to house their missionaries.

All proceeds from sales at the ReStore go towards Morris Habitat’s mission to build safe and affordable housing. Those sales have funded eight homes so far and have helped to keep more than 3,000 tons of materials out of landfills. Stories like this make the many volunteers and staff of Morris Habitat feel a real sense of purpose!

Donations and shoppers are always welcome at the Restore, whose hours are Wednesday to Friday, 10am to 6pm; Thursday, 10am to 8pm; and Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 5pm. Cash, debit cards, Visa and Mastercard are accepted. Donation drop-offs can be made during store hours, or for larger items call 973-366-3358 to schedule a pickup. Donations are tax deductible. To learn more, visit MorrisRestore.org or call 973-366-3358.