Pre-ReStore?s vehicle makes pick-ups, deliveries easier

Greater Fairfield Area Habitat for Humanity recently released a report of accomplishments of its Pre-ReStore venture in the fourth quarter of 2011.

According to the report prepared by Pre-ReStore director Jim Pedrick, an estimated 28 tons of solid waste has been diverted through resale of donated items.

Operation of the Pre-ReStore in the quarter was supported by 23 volunteers donating a total more than 500 hours.

Also at the end of the year, a 2006 Ford cube van was purchased to facilitate pick-ups and deliveries of larger items. Pick-ups were previouslimited to the immediate Fairfield area since volunteers were using their own personal vehicles. With the van, a pick-up schedule can be established in Wapello, Keokuk, Washington, Henry and Van Buren counties. Donations from outside the county have already been received primarily with the assistance of neighboring Habitat for Humanity affiliates.

A total of 71 percent of the funding for the van was provided through a forgivable loan from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Solid Waste Alternatives Program. S.W.A.P. provides grants and loans for projects reducing the amount of waste generated and landfilled in Iowa through waste reduction, recycling, operational efficiencies and education efforts.

Pending completion of Habitat for Humanity International?s start-up guidelines, the Fairfield Pre-ReStore opened in November 2010 for monthly ?garage sales.? The store adopted its current business hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays in April.

Pre-ReStore offers a place for businesses and individuals to donate good, unwanted building materials, used furniture, appliances and household items. Many of the materials might otherwise have been thrown out. Instead, by selling them, Pre-ReStore is supporting the building projects of Greater Fairfield Area Habitat for Humanity while reducing the amount of solid waste sent to the landfill.

Everyone can donate, volunteer and shop. For information call 209-9450, email habitat@lisco.com or visit the www.fairfieldprerestore.org, DiggersList.com and Facebook.