ReStore award acknowledges growth and dedication

The Canandaigua ReStore was recently recognized as the ReStore of the Year for its consistent high performance and record sales by Habitat for Humanity New York State.

As number one in the state for sales per square foot, the Canandaigua based ReStore has managed continuous and unprecedented growth over the past ten years due in part to its leadership, but mainly due to the generosity of donations from the community at large and the dedication of its volunteers.

“We really credit a large part of our success to the core team of hardworking volunteers that help process donations and keep the store running. Without them we wouldn’t be able to do what we do."

– Nash Bock, Chief Business and Innovation Officer, GRHFH

For the past twelve years, ReStore Manager Dale Reed paid careful attention to the details of what resale customers wanted and accepted only the items he knew would sell successfully. In the early days of the ReStore, many donations were of a construction nature including building products like windows and doors. As time evolved, the acceptance of donations broadened and today anyone shopping at the Canandaigua Restore will find original framed art, antiques, furniture, dishes, lighting, cameras, electronics, appliances, a wide variety of household items, clothing and so much more.

The ReStore has also supported other community organizations in a variety of ways including the Knights of Columbus and the Blessing Room at St Bridget’s in Bloomfield where they assist with deliveries of donated food and other items from local retailers. During the holidays, the ReStore truck and staff helps pass out turkeys as part of the Thanksgiving food distribution and has assisted Crosswinds Church in Canandaigua with Operation Christmas Child. The ReStore also receives items like cosmetics, grooming products, selected items of clothing and other items that can be used by women who have turned to Safe Harbors of the Finger Lakes in Geneva. Children’s books that are donated to the ReStore are given to the local Rotary organization which they in turn pack up and send out to children in the US and overseas.

In 2022, Dale Reed retired after training his replacement, Melissa King, who had worked as his assistant for nearly a year.

“Dale built a strong foundation for the ReStore’s success and I hope to continue his legacy for the future.”

– Melissa King, ReStore Manager, Canandaigua location

Melissa surely has a tough act to follow, but has risin to the challenge and is setting her own creative ideas and goals into action. She leads the day-to-day operations of the ReStore, including sales and customer service, donation processing, pricing and merchandising. The ReStore has recently added quality clothing, including winter coats and shoes to its resale offerings. The income generated from the sale of these items, in one year alone, will pay for the foundation of the next Habitat home to be built. There are plans in place for more exciting changes and additions to keep the momentum going and serve more families locally.

“We are extremely grateful for our donors and the good quality items we receive. If it weren’t for our donors, volunteers, and the faithful customers we see weekly, we would not be as successful in our mission to fund homes and services for families in need.”

– Melissa King