Jersey Shore Magazine

j e r s e y s h o r e • S p r i n g 2 0 1 9 41 come, first-served in-store basis and cannot be held or reserved. The ReStore director, Marian Hodavance, began as a volunteer and is in awe of the impact both the ReStore and Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity has had on the local community. "When you get a lady who comes in and hugs you just because she could never afford a washing machine for her family on her own before, well, that's just unbelievably rewarding," she said. Hodavance is in charge of coordinat- ing donations and volunteers to man the store. Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity recently relocated their offices to the ReStore location creating a one-stop housing resource center. The Padlocks for Patriots Initiative Habitat's Repair Corps program funds critical repairs on the homes of military veterans (provided they have received an honorable or gen- eral discharge). The "Padlocks for Patriots" initiative is a way to honor a veteran and raise funds for veter- an home repairs in northern Ocean County. Supporters purchase a pad- lock for $25. to honor or memorial- ize a veteran they know. The lock is engraved with the supporter's person- al message and then locked onto the Habitat's American flag fence inside the ReStore. All funds raised through this initiative are used for veteran repairs and homeowner programs. Locks can be purchased directly at the ReStore or online at www.nohfh. com/padlocks. Volunteers, Partnerships, and Monetary Donations There are many volunteer oppor- tunities available at Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity including con- struction, retail/ReStore, fundraising, committees, and more. Volunteers not only help with the organization's mission but also build connections and relationships with other volun- teers. "We are blessed with a really wonderful and supportive commu- nity, but we can always use more," Fichtner said. Individuals who are interested in volunteering should first complete the online application. Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity is proud to have the sup- port of many community partners including Provident Bank, OceanFirst Bank, Amboy Bank, Playa Bowls, Lowes, Ferguson Plumbing Supply, Avalon Flooring, Family First Funding, Jersey Coast Appliance, Amara Dental, and the American Red Cross, as well as school affiliate chapters at Brick Memorial High School, Donovan Catholic High School, Manchester Township High School, Toms River High School South, and Georgian Court University, to name a few. "When you shop at ReStore, donate, or volunteer, you build and repair homes in your community. I invite you to make a difference with us in whatever way you can," urged Fichtner. u Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity's offices and the Restore are located at 1214 Route 37 East in Toms River. For more information, call (732) 818-9500 or visit www.nohfh.com or www.nohfh.com/ restore. You can also find the ReStore on Facebook at: facebook.com/habitatrestore. The ReStore is open Tuesday - Saturday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Individuals, businesses, and civic/school organizations who are interested in becom- ing a community partner or holding a fund- raiser should call (732) 818-9500. Monetary donations are accepted online and in person at the ReStore. Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity is a nonprof- it, tax exempt organization under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Those interested in donating to the ReStore should first consult the list of accepted items, which can be found at the ReStore's website. Donations can be dropped off at the ReStore. For larger donations, fill out the "pick up request" form online. For more information, contact Marian Hodavance at (732) 818-9500 ext. 101. Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity serves the following Ocean County commu- nities: Bay Head, Beachwood, Berkeley/Bay- ville, Brick, Island Heights, Jackson, Lake- hurst, Lakewood, Lavallette, Manchester/ Whiting, Mantoloking, Ocean Gate, Pine Beach, Plumsted, Point Pleasant, Point Pleasant Beach, Seaside Heights, Seaside Park, South Toms River, and Toms River. The ReStore offers fabulous merchandise at great prices with all proceeds benefiting orga- nization initiatives and programs. Everything for sale at ReStore comes from donations. Jill Ocone Jill Ocone

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