Thumbs up to Right; Thumbs down to wrong

Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2018 10:00 am

With the rapid approach of Thanksgiving, we are reminded the “good” in our Cleveland and Bradley County community far outweighs the “bad.”

But, like in any hometown, we occasionally fall a little short — sometimes by the act of an individual, a governing body or perhaps a group or organization, or maybe a circumstance. Sometimes it is intended, and oftentimes by accident.

By the same token, we also excel.

That in mind, it is time for the “Thumbs Up” salutes and the “Thumbs Down” jeers to those who do good, and those who don’t.

• Thumbs Up to Sherry Crye, director of Workforce Development at the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce, who has been named recipient of the prestigious Robert M. Smith Outstanding Tennessee Leadership Educator Award.

Bernadette Douglas, Chamber of Commerce executive vice president, said it as well as anyone could by pointing out the award recipient always goes “above and beyond” in her work with this community’s young people, while instilling in them — at an early, impressionable age — the innate values of leadership.

• Thumbs Down to two 16-year-olds who further complicated their lives by escaping from the Bradley County Juvenile Detention Center. Memphis Smith and Abraham Augustin were already in serious trouble with the law after being charged with aggravated rape (Smith) stemming from an attack on a Lee University student, and attempted second-degree murder (Augustin) in connection with a shooting incident that left three people wounded.

The pair’s escape was bad enough; their four-day run from the law made it even worse. Now, their road to rehabilitation is mountainous.

• Thumbs Up to the 34,370 Bradley County residents, or 54 percent of registered voters, who cast ballots in the recent midterm elections. Of that amount, more than 22,000 voted early. Regardless of their candidates of choice, or their political lean, they voted. And that became the biggest local story of the election.

• Thumbs Up to Robert Still, a Cleveland “youngster” who celebrated his 100th birthday on Nov. 1. In spite of long, successful careers in construction, electrical and dairy businesses, he kept his birthday celebration simple. He went to Hardee’s.

• Thumbs Up to Dale McClure, a dedicated volunteer in the Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland ReStore, for tracking down the owners of a treasure found by store co-workers. It was a set of military medals, as well as a large family Bible. Dale, doing what Dale does best, found that the medals belonged to Col. Joseph Peagler, now deceased. Medals and Bible are now safely in the hands of family members in Birmingham, Ala.

• Thumbs Up to Cleveland State Community College student Josh Davis, who became the latest Cleveland connection on one of the many musical reality shows. The Walker Valley High School alumnus appeared on NBC’s “The Voice.” He made an early exit from the show in a “Battle Round,” but not before wowing a massive TV audience.

• Thumbs Down to pop star great Kelly Clarkson, one of four judges on “The Voice,” who gave Josh the boot. But, it’s only a mild Thumbs Down because it was Kelly who selected Josh to join her team in the first place. And, as they say, “… that’s Show Biz.” Besides, Josh made this community, and a lot of friends and loved ones, proud as a pickle.

• Thumbs Up to Brooke Evans, a gracious lady, talented writer and former newspaper reporter who extended a rare courtesy. She picked up the telephone, called a Cleveland Daily Banner editor, and said “thank you.” 

Such unsolicited kindnesses still occur in these troubled times, when civility is becoming a lost art, but their numbers grow fewer and fewer.

Funny thing, Thumbs Up wins again … by a decisive 6-2 margin.

Perhaps the season of Thanksgiving brings needed warmth to those within the newspaper industry who often feel the cold of the dark side of humanity.

Either way, autumn fills the air and the aromas of turkey and cornbread dressing have begun to whet the appetite.

One thing’s for sure. This time of thoughtful reminder receives a definitive Thumbs Up.

Bank of Cleveland has another record year

Posted Tuesday, February 12, 2019, 6:10pm

Opening its doors 31 years ago, Bank of Cleveland is the only locally owned and managed bank headquartered in Bradley County. Bank of Cleveland continued its strong performance throughout 2018, focusing on growth, safety and soundness, technology and community.As technology is constantly changing, so is banking. From telephone banking in the 1980s, to internet banking in the 1990s, to the boom of direct deposits in the last two decades, technology continues to have a large impact on payment methods, branch traffic and customer convenience. In the past year, Bank of Cleveland has implemented ATM Real Time which enables its customers to have access to their money in real time versus the old “batch” method which used a previous day’s balance for transaction approval. The latest technology rolled out to customers is the Digital Wallet. Digital Wallet enables you to make instant purchases in stores, in apps and on the web. It also enables you to send and receive money from family and friends in Messages. Bank of Cleveland’s debit cards are compatible with Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay. 

Bank of Cleveland’s commitment to the community continued throughout 2018 with significant contributions to the Cleveland State Foundation, Lee University’s Military Appreciation Day, the Museum Center at Five Points, 100 Black Men of Cleveland and Cleveland 100.

Bank of Cleveland’s partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland continued throughout the year. The Bank’s relationship with the Federal Home Loan Bank enables grant funding opportunities through its Affordable Housing Program. Through Bank of Cleveland, Habitat for Humanity has been able to obtain over millions of dollars in grant funding throughout the years.

Bank of Cleveland’s Home Loan Center is the largest mortgage center in Bradley County and is located on the Courthouse Square at 93 North Ocoee Street. This facility has allowed Bank of Cleveland to expand and increase loan volume which has resulted in Bank of Cleveland being the largest mortgage lender in Bradley County.

Tammy Self, Bank of Cleveland senior vice president, Traci Hamilton, mortgage lender and Joe Collins, mortgage lender, were honored in 2018 by the Chattanooga Mortgage Bankers Association for volume of loans closed. Tammy Self was awarded highest honors, achieving Diamond level status; Traci Hamilton achieved Platinum level status and Joe Collins achieved Gold level status. This is the fourth consecutive year Bank of Cleveland’s mortgage lenders have been recognized for their accomplishments.

Bank of Cleveland is committed to Bradley County and strives to build a better community. For more information about Bank of Cleveland, visit the website at www.bankofcleveland.com.

Athens Federal Announces Community Grants

Posted Saturday, January 5, 2019 9:15 pm

Special to the Banner

Over the last eight years, the Athens Federal Foundation has been making investments in the community. The return on that investment is simply too valuable to put into terms of dollars and cents.

Forty-seven local charitable and nonprofit organizations in Athens Federal Community Bank's service area received just over $171,000 in funds from the Athens Federal Foundation during an awards and recognition luncheon in mid-December. Those organizations carry out work ranging from helping the uninsured receive proper medical care, to providing warm meals for those who might not otherwise receive one.

“As we consider the work being accomplished in our communities, we recognize this is a powerful group willing to face trouble and hardships head-on,” said Athens Federal Foundation President and CEO Jeff Cunningham. “We not only thank you, but we are proud to support you. Your deeds do not go unnoticed and, on behalf of the Athens Federal Foundation, we are truly honored to be your partner.”

"The need does not radically change from year to year as our area continues to experience a crucial shortage of basic life essentials, including food, shelter, and adequate healthcare," Cunningham said. "The foundation is committed to helping overcome those adversities and inspiring others to continue endowing our communities."

One organization touched by the generosity of the foundation is Miracle Lake. Founder Jack Bryan established the Christian training center 40 years ago as a residential facility to rehabilitate men struggling with addition. Byron Goodman, a 12-year graduate of the program, now serves as the organization’s administrator. According to Byron, “Miracle Lake saved me and continues to save men like me every day. It is one of the most affordable residential faith-based addiction programs of its kind thanks to the generosity of organizations like the Athens Federal Foundation that help offset costs for necessary food and other supplies.”

Likewise, Samantha Mull shared her personal testimony of how the foundation’s more than $23,000 in grants to Women at the Well over the last six years supported her transformation from a 13-year addiction to a sober and productive member of society. According to Samantha, “(Women at) The Well taught me structure, perseverance, basic life skills, and most importantly the path to God. Because the program never turns anyone away who cannot afford to pay, support from grants like the Athens Federal Foundation continue to help women overcome and rise above addition.”

Similarly, The Grace House in Athens shelters and supports the needs of men who are homeless as a result of drug and alcohol addiction. Walter Dotson benefited from the spiritual program after suffering from addiction for 37 years. “When there is no where else to turn, The Grace House teaches you to turn to God. Men come into the program with nothing – homeless, broken, alone – and leave as leaders with a reason to live.”

This was the eighth round of grants presented since the foundation's 2011 inauguration, with total fund distribution in excess of $798,000.

As part of Athens Federal Community Bank’s recent partnership with CapStar Bank in Nashville, Beth Alexander, CapStar Marketing and Communications Manager, announced a $1.5 million commitment to the Athens Federal Foundation. Alexander presented Lyn Thompson, Foundation Chairperson, with the first $500,000 installment of the gift during the luncheon.

“What a joy to be here today and truly feel the impact of the Athens Federal Foundation. Like Athens Federal, CapStar is dedicated to community service and civic responsibility; we are honored to contribute to the good works of the Foundation,” said Alexander.

All nonprofit organizations in Athens Federal's service area (Bradley, McMinn, Meigs, Monroe, Polk, and Loudon counties) were eligible to apply.

The Athens Federal Foundation was established by Athens Bancshares Corporation, the holding company for Athens Federal Community Bank, and its shareholders as part of the Bank's 2009 stock conversion. The foundation was created to provide funding and support for charitable causes within the bank's market. In conjunction with the initial stock offering, Athens Bancshares Corporation contributed $1 million of Athens Bancshares Corporation stock and $100,000 in cash to the foundation.

2018 recipients included:

Homeless Management of Monroe County, Habitat for Humanity of McMinn County, Coordinated Charities Inc., Helping Hands Ministry, Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland, The Grace House of Athens, Good Shepherd Center, Outreach Across America Restoration Center,m Etowah Community Food Pantry – Wesley Memorial UMC Helping Hand, Niota United Methodist Church (Christian Co-Workers Children’s Aid), Lift & Redemption Ministries (DBA The Caring Place), Grace & Mercy Ministries, Englewood Goodwill Workers – Daily Bread Food Ministry, Miracle Lake, Love Thy Neighbor Project (Tennessee Wesleyan University), Better Living Center, Nourish One Child – Outreach of Keith Memorial UMC, New Bethany Missionary Baptist Church, Good Faith Clinic Inc., Monroe County Health Council, Love Nancy, Inc., New Hope Pregnancy Care Center, Full Circle Medical Center for Women. 

Monroe Tri-Community Volunteer Fire Department, Englewood Rural Fire Department, McMinn County Emergency Rescue Squad, Family Promise of Bradley County, Family Cornerstones Inc., Tri-County Center, Women at the Well, McMinn County Educational and Community Foundation, United Way of the Ocoee Region Imagination Library of Bradley County, Boys & Girls Club of the Monroe Area, Boys & Girls Club of the Ocoee Region, Let’s Read 20,  Lee University (English Language Center),  Athens-McMinn Family YMCA, Y-CAP (YMCA community Action Project), The House that Mercy Built, Child Advocacy Center of the 9th Judicial District, The HOPE Center Inc., CASA Monroe, CASA of Bradley County, CASA Corridor of East Tennessee, McMinn County Senior Citizens Inc, Etowah Area Senior Center, Benton United Methodist Church, and Straightway Ministries.

A tree-mendous Christmas start at Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland

Posted Saturday, November 17, 2018 9:05 pm

Special to the Banner

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland held its ninth annual Tree Trimming Party on Thursday, Oct. 25. 

 A group of 10 volunteers got together at the ReStore to string Christmas trees with lights, decorations and ornaments of all colors and styles to sell in the ReStore. Some trees are left undecorated so that families can purchase them and use their own special ornaments and decorations.

This year, the ReStore was able to set up around 55 trees, thanks to Deborah Flower, who goes by “The Christmas Lady,”and her team.

Flower said, “These ladies and gentlemen are very creative and very good. Trees are now available for purchase, but will sell out fast!”

All of the profits will go towards Habitat of Cleveland’s mission of building homes in Bradley County. Deborah estimates that from August to December, Habitat typically sells anywhere from $20,000-$25,000 in seasonal decor.

The trees and ornaments at Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland are collected, cleaned and sorted all year long and range in size, color and shape. This year, the tallest tree display is around 10 feet. The pricing for these trees varies anywhere between $6 and $125.

LaManda Bowers, Volunteer Services Manager, said, “We are grateful for so many thoughtful volunteers who give of their time to create this beautiful display of Christmas each year. Deborah Flower and her mission minded volunteers are building homes for the holidays through their gift of volunteerism.” 

Tammy Johnson, executive director, said, "It's amazing to watch Deborah in action. Each year she fills two entire tractor trailers with donated seasonal decorations. She takes most of it home, runs the glass through her dishwasher and washes all the stuffed animals or material decorations in her own washing machine. Then, she reassembles and prices items for sale. She neatly organizes everything in totes and when the designated season rolls around, it goes on our sales floor."

Misha Collins stated, "Even small acts of kindness can make a profound difference to somebody else.Through Deborah's faithfulness, giving heart and kindness she has made a profound difference to so many of our homeowners, volunteers and staff.”

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland seeks to put God’s love into action by bringing people together to build and repair homes, communities and hope. For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland and the ReStore, visit habitatofcleveland.org.

Habitat ReStore volunteer unearths history

Posted Wednesday, November 7, 2018 10:26 am

When donations come in, they’re sorted, put into bins and we go through them. This occurred in 2017, and my co-workers bring me stuff they think may have some history to it.”

— DALE MCCLURE

By COLBY DENTON

Staff Writer

Dale McClure, a volunteer at Habitat for Humanity’s Re-Store, is often brought unique items her co-workers believe may have an interesting history behind them. She has a talent for tracking down the items’ former owners, and one item in particular was recently brought to her attention which had not only an extensive history, but was also linked to nearby descendants.

The item — or items — that were discovered were the military medals of Col. Joseph Peagler.

“When donations come in, they’re sorted, put into bins and we go through them,” McClure said. “This occurred in 2017, and my co-workers bring me stuff they think may have some history to it.”

The medals were in a small box, which was from the colonel to his parents in Oak Ridge. Peagler attended the decommissioning ceremony of a particular ship, and that event’s paperwork was in the box as well.

Starting with a Cleveland search, McClure checked multiple phonebooks for a reference of Peagler, but after calling all listings, turned up no leads. After a quick Google search on her phone, she was able to locate someone with the surname of Peagler who lived in Chattanooga; unfortunately, this number was disconnected. A wide search of Tennessee, as well as one of Oak Ridge specifically, turned up similar results.

It wasn’t until McClure tried a search on Facebook typing “Colonel Joseph Peagler,” that she found a clue. The search led her to a niece of the colonel, who was thanking her uncles, including Peagler, for their military service. This niece and her husband owned an art studio in Raleigh, North Carolina, which McClure contacted.

“His niece said, ‘This is crazy,’ and I told her that I wanted to get the medals back to him or to his family,” McClure said. “She said Col. Peagler had died in a motorcycle accident in Chattanooga, but that she’d be seeing his family over Christmas and would be happy to give the medals to them then.”

After sending the box to Peagler’s niece, McClure uncovered another Peagler family object, a large, white family Bible. By that point, McClure had met the colonel’s son through email, Zach Peagler, an attorney in Birmingham, Alabama, who thanked her for the medals. Zach’s son, Joseph, who at the time was about 4 years old, received the medals to keep as a memorial for his grandfather. Based on the pictures McClure received, Peagler’s grandson was overjoyed to receive the medals and was excited to wear them, just like his grandfather had.

McClure said Zach seemed thrilled to hear from her, but young Joseph was even more ecstatic. Despite the excellent responses, she has never met any of the family and only spoke with Peagler’s niece on the phone. Aside from that, her only correspondence with the Peaglers has been through email.

Aside from the Peaglers, McClure said she has also had success with other residents. At one point, she discovered a sketch of the Rev. Littlefield, the renowned pastor from Cleveland, along with an accompanying frame. Upon further investigation, she realized that Littlefield is the grandfather of Cleveland’s own Steve Hartline. Following this revelation, she turned over the image to Hartline, much to his surprise.

Always finding new treasures with intricate backstories, McClure said her work is never done.

“I have two family Bibles on my desk right now that I need to find the owners of,” McClure added.

When not volunteering at Habitat, McClure goes to the YMCA Monday, Wednesday and Friday. She also enjoys painting, and even does the artwork for the Re-Store.

“I’m not giving this up now. It’s so rewarding. I’m hooked!” McClure exclaimed.

Habitat ReStore celebrates 14 Years with massive sale

Posted Saturday, November 3, 2018 10:23 pm

By COLBY DENTON

As the year nears its close, Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland  ReStore is celebrating not only another year gone by, but also its 14th year of helping the people of Cleveland.

This year, as in previous ones, the Habitat ReStore is hosting an anniversary sale, which applies to all items within the store and lasts a week.

Beginning as a small operation in downtown Cleveland, ReStore moved to its current space in 2004, after some of its volunteers who are architects began inspecting the current building to determine its suitability.

“This is a culmination of something that started out very small and has grown into what you now see,” Habitat executive director Tammy Johnson said.

The ReStore is commemorating the anniversary by hosting a massive sale starting on Monday  and running until Nov. 10.

ReStore manager Dave Williams plans to have a different sale each day, which requires people to come into the location to discover what the next day’s deal is. The last day of the sale on Nov. 10 will feature a 25 percent discount off everything in the store, which includes new items as well as those gently used.

A large portion of money Habitat uses for its home builds comes from the ReStore, along with donations, grants, etc. The current location is the second time the store has moved since opening in 2004.

Williams described the first location as a “one-door operation,” without a loading dock or even garage doors to easily bring furniture into. He states the current location off Grove Avenue is a massive improvement.

“The original location almost looked like a modular-type home, it being only maybe 50-feet long and 20-feet wide,” Williams explained.

From this spot, Habitat moved down to its second location at Five Points near the Museum Center, where it stayed for several years before moving to its current location.

Because of the former theater’s slanted floors, Habitat used leftover road construction materials that would have been thrown out to level its floors before covering them with concrete as we see today. Williams described this as community recycling.

As a testament to the good relationships Habitat builds in communities, its board of directors has been given permission by the Five Point location’s current owners to actually store Habitat’s overflow items at this former storefront.

Johnson describes this as a blessing, as they are now bringing in more donations than they have room for.

“The community just keeps jumping in. Our board is so active, and whenever we come to them with a need, they will roll up their sleeves, jump in and help us solve the problem,” Johnson said.

The sales from the ReStore  account for around 25-30 percent of building funds, a fact Williams stresses as clear evidence of the store’s key role in Habitat.

At the moment, Habitat has built 135 homes since its inception. Each time a home is built, the company raises approximately $75,000, but with land development and other smaller costs factored in, the amount the ReStore raises helps balance out the expenditure incredibly well.

Johnson said she and her employees all have a passion for what they do. They don’t work at Habitat for the money, but for the people they help.

“We’re changing lives and generations of lives,” Johnson said. “I feel like it’s very biblical to help others who want to help themselves and give ‘a hand up, not a hand out.’”

This rings true for all Habitat homeowners, as they must complete a specific number of “sweaty equity” hours working on their homes. They also pay rent and mortgages all while taking budgeting and good neighbor classes.

Some homeowners have seen entire generations affected by Habitat’s works, such as Tami Croft, who was the recipient of Habitat home No. 50. Her home has not only affected herself, but also her daughter and granddaughter as well.

Williams calls this the “cycle of blessings,” which shows how the community donates items to Habitat which are then sold and the money is used to provide homes for people who then turn around and work for Habitat or at least discuss how the organization has affected their lives. He added how the cycle of blessings is a self sustaining system that truly benefits its region no matter where it is.

Williams and Johnson encourage all of Cleveland to come see what they have to offer. Your purchase will not only be at a discount during the sale, but it will also go towards benefitting your community overall.

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Sunday, and is located at 300 Grove Ave. It can be reached at 423-473-4610. 

Youth leaders for Habitat for Humanity have fundraising success

Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2018 10:55 am

Think you’re too young to make a difference in our community? 

The 2018-19 Youth Leadership class of the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce, successfully raised $1,408.63 in funding support, to help build Habitat homes in Bradley County, as part of their annual service project. 

“Our Youth Leaders made my day. Their energy, excitement and gift to Habitat blew me away,” said Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland Executive Director Tammy Johnson, “We are also looking forward to having this year’s class out on our build site.” 

The 23 juniors and seniors from Bradley Central, Cleveland and Walker Valley high schools and Tennessee Christian Preparatory School will also volunteer “sweat equity” later this school year by painting and landscaping at Habitat homes.  “No idea is too small, and every gift of time, talent or treasure helps,” Johnson said. 

At the summer Youth Leadership retreat, organizers challenged the youth leaders to brainstorm creative ideas to raise funds for Habitat and raise a minimum of $400 at their respective schools. 
Shared Sherry Crye, coordinator of the Youth Leadership program: “We are pleased with this year’s efforts as they learn the importance of giving back to their community.” 

Youth Leadership is a workforce development program of the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce designed to prepare young people for leadership in the community.  For information about the program, contact Sherry Crye with the CBCC at 423-472-6587 or visit www.clevelandchamber.com.

The Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce is a quality organization dedicated to the business development of our members, the economic growth of our region and the highest quality of life for our community, the Ocoee Region of Tennessee. To learn more visit www.clevelandchamber.com.

Verizon Executives Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland

Posted Saturday, August 18, 2018 9:54 pm

By COLBY DENTON

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland was host to numerous Verizon Wireless volunteers from around the country on Tuesday, thanks to an impromptu meeting between the two organizations.

It started several months ago, when Habitat construction director Tyler Bramlett needed a new phone from his local Russell Cellular Verizon store. Upon discovering his affiliation to Habitat, the Verizon workers began asking how they could get more involved with the organization.

“The guy said they’ve been looking for ways to get more involved in the community,” Bramlett said. “I passed on his info to my director, Tammy Johnson, and she ran with it.”

Upon receiving the Verizon contact information, Johnson  visited and spoke with the phone store’s managers, who were all excited to get involved with Habitat. The store was interested in sponsoring a build, which involves workers helping on job sites. The manager also added a donation option at the five local Russell Cellular Verizon stores in the area throughout the month of June, with the option being $10. Overall, the stores raised more than $1,200 through this drive alone.

Johnson said despite people often doubting their abilities to make an impact, this proves  a small group of people can make a massive difference.

“Look at what everyone collectively did, from donating their time to raising funds,” Johnson said. “The fact these executives took the time to drive and fly in says a lot about the company.”

Verizon is a new partner for Habitat, and as a result, Verizon district manager Jason Foster  invited not only fellow managers, but also top executives at the company, to come out and volunteer. Many agreed.

During the Tuesday volunteer event, top Verizon executives flew in from Missouri and also drove up from Atlanta and Alabama to help work on the future home of  Felecia Kelley for Habitat. Kelley’s home is Habitat’s Blitz Build home. For those unaware, a Blitz Build involves getting as many materials as possible and building the home within one to two weeks.

Verizon provides an international discount to Habitat employees, which Johnson said is an established partnership which has ultimately led to this larger collaboration and may lead to potential future ones, as Russell Cellular Verizon has more than 400 stores around the country.

“This isn’t something the Verizon executives do all the time, so this is really an honor,” said volunteer services manager LaManda Bowers said. “We were ecstatic. Every time we get a new partner, there are growth opportunities, including more hands on deck to help in the community. We’re grateful and very humbled  these executives would do a community-wide service event through their customers’ organization.”

Tasks for the executives on the job site included caulking, installing interior shelves and painting.

Bowers added seeing Verizon do something like volunteer shows it’s much more than a phone company.  It cares about the community.

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland is located at 300 Grove Ave., and can be reached at 423-473-4610.

Habitat ReStore Gets Facelift

Posted Saturday, August 18, 2018 9:47 pm

By COLBY DENTON, Cleveland Daily Banner

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland hosted a ribbon cutting on Friday to commemorate the rejuvenation of its  ReStore location beside its office on Grove Avenue.

ReStore manager Dave Williams stated when the northside store closed, residents believed the ReStore was closing all locations. He  stressed that is not the case.

“We’re trying to get the great community of Cleveland to realize the Habitat for Humanity ReStore is open, alive and well,” Williams said. “We’ve got sales going on. We’ve had quite the facelift.”

Williams encouraged everyone in the community to shop around, get some good deals and know the money you spend is going to help build homes in the surrounding community. While a common misconception of the ReStore is  it’s only for contractors, it is indeed open to the public.

“This is a cycle of blessing, where people bring us lightly-used items, which we then put a reasonable price on, sell and then use that money to build homes,” Williams added. “It’s a win, win, win. We also don’t just have used items, we also have brand new furniture and appliances. I tell everyone to check out the ReStore first, and then go to the big box stores.”

The ReStore has been  painted the new, light blue colors of the Habitat logo. The inside has also been revamped and the parking lot  improved.

Habitat of Cleveland executive director Tammy Johnson stated they did this to encourage the people of Cleveland to come check them out and see what they have to offer.

Habitat is allowed to carry up to 15 percent of purchased product, which includes new laminate hardwood floors, new paint supplies, new and used furniture, books, clothing, housewares and a variety of other hidden treasures.

“Habitat has such a good, two-fold system,” stated Habitat volunteer services manager LaManda Bowers. “We are keeping literally tons of trash out of landfillss. We offer volunteer opportunities for those who need service hours in our community.”

Johnson stressed how money raised by Habitat remains in Cleveland, contrary to some nonprofits, which don’t recycle their earnings back into their community.

“You can always know  Habitat is putting the money it makes back into Cleveland,” Johnson said.

A large ribbon was cut by Johnson while surrounded by Habitat partners, Chamber of Commerce representatives, Bradley County Mayor D. Gary Davis and various other community leaders. 

The Habitat for Humanity ReStore can be contacted at 423-473-4610 and is located at 300 Grove Avenue. 

Home Depot is Partnering with Habitat for Humanity ReStore of Cleveland to Provide Free Kids Workshop

Home Depot is partnering with Habitat for Humanity  of Cleveland to provide a free building workshop for kids ages 4-10 on July 14th from 8:00am to 9:00 am in the Grove Ave. ReStore. 

Home Depot’s Kids Workshop program encourages kids to build and grow with age appropriate projects and allows the children to use tools to build their own masterpieces in a safe and fun environment. This is a great opportunity to spend time as a family.

Home Depot provides everything your children will need to complete the project, including one project kit per child, goggles, aprons, kid-sized tools and other supplies needed to complete the project. Children also get to keep their completed projects.

“Home Depot has a great history of incorporating kids workshops into their daily business.  Habitat for Humanity ReStore is excited to partner with them for the very first time this July 14th!” said Dave Williams, ReStore manager at Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland. “This is open to the first 10 kids, ages 4-10, that sign up with a parent/guardian. Come be a part of great community event, as Habitat extends its mission of being an extension of God’s hands in our community”