Habitat for Humanity of Putnam County is in the business of making magic.  When you donate your husband’s old recliner…or that sofa your wife just replaced…to the Habitat Home Resale Store, the money from the sale of that chair or sofa can buy a window, a door, a sink or kitchen cabinets.   

Your gift magically transforms something you no longer use or want into an important piece of a Habitat House being built in Putnam County.

There are many organizations in this community with a mission to help the needy, some locally based, others have national scope.  All approach their mission in specific ways, so how do you decide which organizations get your donations of time, money or used goods?  Does it matter as long as you are “giving” in some way?

If your “giving” motivation is to improve the lives of others close to home, here in your own community, then yes it does matter, and one of the organizations that does that is Habitat for Humanity of Putnam County.

This volunteer organization works its magic with your monetary donations and donations to the Home Resale Store to build affordable homes for your less fortunate neighbors.  Your donation goes directly to needy people in your own community.  

Here are other reasons why this is a great giving choice:  

It is 100 percent volunteer – There are no salaries.  Putnam County residents provide executive oversight and management and staff the store and construction crews that build Putnam County homes.

It is 100 percent self funded – Proceeds from the Putnam County Home Resale Store are the primary funding to build homes.  There is no Federal or local governmental assistance.

It is 100 percent local – The purchase of materials and contracting services to build houses puts money back into Putnam County business.

It is important to clear a common misconception; Habitat for Humanity does not build a house and give it away.  

Habitat identifies a qualified family and partners with them to build a house.  This Partner Family commits to over 300 hours of construction work, known as “sweat equity,” on their house.   Partner Families pay the mortgage on their home and become taxpaying residents.  They are able to move from dependence on public assistance to becoming fully integrated citizens of Putnam County.

With the recent economic downturn Habitat of Putnam County has seen a 55% drop in financial donations so today there is even more focus on funds generated by the store and your support is more critical than ever.  

The Home Resale Store is located at 1027 Lake Oconee Parkway and is open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10  a.m. to 4 p.m.  The store accepts used furniture, appliances, lamps, art and other household accessories, dinnerware, kitchen wares and much more…even vehicles, boats and trailers.  The store does not resell clothing; however, several organizations in the area have excellent clothing resale programs.

It may be easier to load your car, truck or SUV with old clothes, furniture and odds and ends, make one quick stop to unload and be done with it.  But consider the impact you can have by dropping your non-clothing items at the Habitat Home Resale Store first and then seeing them work some magic in your own community.  

Better still, call (706) 991-1600 to have your large items picked up by a Putnam County Habitat volunteer and never leave your house.

If you want to learn more about Habitat for Humanity or how to become a volunteer in Putnam County, please call (706) 991-1600.