Posted on August 3, 2023
EMPLOYEES AND VOLUNTEERS with Habitat For Humanity of Cleveland's ReStore came together to celebrate winning ReStore of the Year.
Having recently celebrated its 150th home built since 1990, Habitat For Humanity of Cleveland now has another reason to celebrate.
On Wednesday, July 26, volunteers and employees of Habitat For Humanity of Cleveland and its ReStore location came together after winning the 2023 Habitat of Tennessee State Impact Award for ReStore of the Year.
"The ReStore is a nonprofit thrift store and donation center that exists to help local families build decent, affordable housing with Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland," its website states.
Prior to enjoying a taco party, Tammy Johnson, executive director of Habitat For Humanity of Cleveland, said, "This is quite an honor. Of all the ReStores in the state of Tennessee, you all had the best one."
LAMANDA BOWERS smiles as the ReStore was praised for its service and increased revenue.
With a printed statement in hand from Habitat of Tennessee detailing the distinction they received, Johnson read, "Habitat of Cleveland's ReStore, under the leadership of LaManda Bowers, has excelled and increased revenue in uncertain times. Retail stores across our state and country have continued to experience new challenges, like labor shortages and rising operating costs."
In light of those hurdles, Johnson was pleased to announce the location's retail sales increased by 13% in the past fiscal year.
"The ReStore picks up local donations, keeping them out of the landfill, and those items are sorted, priced and put on the sales floor to keep it well stocked," she read aloud. "This year, Habitat of Cleveland's ReStore chose to open an additional hour each day, which added much needed revenue to offset the rising costs."
A TACO PARTY was enjoyed by volunteers and employees of the ReStore.
It was also noted in the announcement that the location had increased recycling efforts and recruited new volunteer labor, which "has had a tremendously positive impact."
"Habitat of Cleveland's ReStore understands the importance of helping build homes and community, and everyone works hard toward that goal," Johnson read as the Habitat employees and volunteers applauded.
Taking a moment to celebrate this accomplishment, Bowers thanked everyone from volunteers to board members, commending them for working together.
Bowers added, "We're a family, not coworkers."
The ReStore of the Year award comes after receiving the 2022 Leader of the Year award as well as the 2021 Affiliate of the Year award.
