Habitat for Humanity Restore Offers Huge Savings

Lowe's Home Improvement and Home Depot are known to have great sales from time to time but the best kept secrets in the home improvement world are at Habitat for Humanity's Restore locations, which are building material thrift stores that offer quality supplies at deep discounts.

While there are over 500 ReStores located in the United States and Canada, there is only one on Long Island. The Ronkonkoma ReStore, located at 2111 Lakeland Avenue, is a 12,000 square foot bargain hunter's delight.

The store, which is open to everyone, is chock full of new and very gently used furniture, appliances, doors, windows, lighting fixtures, hardware, and more. The ReStore offers materials for sale at a steep 50-90 percent discount below regular retail prices. Shopping at the ReStore, one could easily save hundreds, if not thousands, on building projects. Aside from the low prices, one of the things customers love is that since donations are received daily, the inventory is constantly changing. New items come in everyday and one of a kind door prizes are common. Complete kitchens are featured in a wide array of styles. Finding the right cabinets at a fraction of their original price could easily translate into savings of thousands of dollars in an average kitchen remodel.

Don't expect a home improvement superstore with elaborate displays and aisles. The Ronkonkoma Restore is a no frills warehouse atmosphere where donated items are located and grouped according to commodity. You may find exactly what you are looking for or even come up with a whole new project based on the items you find. All items are clearly signed and the helpful staff is more than willing to assist you with any questions you may have as well as give you a hand loading your vehicle. It is also worth noting that even though the ReStore relies on donations for their inventory they maintain high standards regarding the items they accept. So you can be sure that you will not waste your time sifting through garbage.

Ronkonkoma resident Donna Higgins said she shops at the ReStore about twice a week. 

"There are a lot of high end items at great prices," Higgins said, adding that she has purchased windows, molding, and paving stones. Higgins' deal of the day was a black fireplace screen. 

"A similar item might have cost me $250 at a home store," said Higgins, who only paid a mere $45.

Building materials are not the only bargains worth checking out.  Home accessories and appliances abound as well. There are several like new 20-inch television sets for under 20 dollars; perfect for a dorm room or a spare. Also worthy of mention is the plentiful furniture selection. There were multiple dining room sets suitable to serve Thanksgiving dinner on. The ReStore deserves a good look, and perhaps a second or third, from anyone looking to save money while improving or remodeling their living space.

You can feel good about shopping at the Ronkonkoma ReStore since the proceeds from its sales are used to help fund local building, renovation, and restoration projects undertaken by Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk County. Additionally, the ReStore benefits the environment by keeping perfectly good materials out of landfills. As if all this isn't reason enough to check out this great resource there is also a printable coupon available on their website good for additional savings on your purchase.

The Ronkonkoma ReStore could not exist without the help and support of the community. The ReStore accepts donations of new or good reusable building materials from contractors, suppliers, and individuals.  Donating to the ReStore not only helps keep building materials out of landfills, it also helps donors save money with a potential tax deduction.  Individual and group volunteers are also needed to assist in general store operations. If you would be interested in donating any items to the ReStore there are some general guidelines listed on their website. Local businesses are also encouraged to contact the Restore for advertising opportunities.

Find what you're looking for six days a week at the ReStore.  The Ronkonkoma ReStore is located at 2111 Lakeland Avenue, Ronkonkoma NY 11779. Hours of operation are Mon 9 am to 3 pm Tue-Fri 9 am to 6 pm and Sat 9am to 3 pm.   For more information, call 631-521-7789 or visit their website at: .