GOTTA MAKE A TRIP TO THE (RE)STORE. You could save a buck or two – and support a local nonprofit – on your next home improvement project by checkin' out the Chippewa Valley Habitat for Humanity ReStore (145 N. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire).

Owning a house – or renting an apartment, for that matter – typically comes with a hefty price-tag to match. When it comes time for repairs, renovations or simple freshening-up projects, most people hit the nearest home improvement big box store. Locally, there’s at least one other option to consider first.

The Chippewa Valley Habitat for Humanity ReStore (145 N. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire), which opened in 2017, offers 8,000 square feet of goods. The shop is split between a furniture and home goods section, and a supplies and tools area.

The ReStore collected more than 1,600 donations in 2025 alone, welcoming everything from lawnmowers to dressers and lounge chairs, to roof shingles, doors, light fixtures and more.

While the ReStore doesn't accept sofas, it does accept a range of furniture including cabinets and tables, dining and lounge chairs, bed frames, TVs, picture frames, exercise equipment and more.

“Pretty much anything that has to do with building, we’re happy to have,” ReStore Manager, Marlie Sabelko said. “We’ll take (furniture) that’s in good condition too.”

Goods are reasonably priced, too. During a recent visit to the ReStore, dining and lounge chairs ranged from about $6 to $40 (a set of lounge chairs with a matching ottoman was $100), tools like band saws were a few dollars, full-size cans of paint ranged from about $10-$25, lamps ranged from about $5 to $20 and light bulbs were 80 cents-$1. Plus, those dollars go right back into the community.

“All the things (sold at) ReStore goes toward funding the Habitat for Humanity homes and repair projects,” Sabelko said.

Perhaps lesser known than the ReStore is the local nonprofit’s additional home renovations and repairs resources. Beyond accepting donations – Habitat for Humanity also offers pick-up services, within 20 miles of the retail shop – the organization dedicates staff and volunteer time toward a slew of projects each year.

In 2025, over 80 volunteers put in 738 hours toward several local projects, including seven home repair and simple “deconstruction” projects, Sabelko said.

Folks can reach out to Habitat for Humanity for deconstruction help – such as safe, simple removal of kitchen cabinets or countertops and vanities – and the local affiliate will put together a volunteer group, led by a paid project manager, to do so.

While community organizing may take some time, Sabelko said, deconstruction projects themselves take typically take just a day or two to complete.

Beyond the money saving benefits, Habitat for Humanity’s remodeling and deconstruction projects also allows the nonprofit to repurpose building materials and keep waste out of the landfill.

“Donate instead of dispose” is one of the organization’s taglines, as shared online, and is part of Habitat for Humanity’s larger mission.

Tools and supplies including flooring and tiles, vanities and sinks, nails and screws, doors, windows and more can be found at the ReStore.

Habitat for Humanity made its Wisconsin debut in the ‘80s. Today, the organization serves 59 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties by way of grant funding, advocacy efforts, new construction and home repairs, aging-in-place and veterans programming, and through its affiliate retail locations.

In the 1970s, Millard and Linda Fuller, the nonprofit’s founders, developed the concept of “partnership housing,” aimed at helping those in need of shelter by building affordable homes – without making a profit.

50 years later, Habitat for Humanity has lended a hand to over 65 million people across the globe.

Locally, the Chippewa Valley affiliate organization recently completed an addition to a home in rural New Auburn, creating first floor laundry access for a senior citizen; built hand rails for an exterior home entryway for a local veteran; and opened up its Homeownership Program application cycle again.

Whether you’re looking for a great deal on home renovations supplies, furniture, or want to volunteer in the community, don’t forget to swing by the Habitat for Humanity ReStore.

Learn more about the Chippewa Valley Habitat for Humanity organization online at www.cvh4h.org. Visit the ReStore (145 N. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire) from 10am-4:30pm, Tuesday-Saturday. Donations are accepted during all business hours and, upon request and for a fee, may be picked up by a team member.