We Count Our Blessings this Christmas!

It's been a while since we have posted an update about our affiliate, but I think now is a great time to share with you the many blessings we have received in 2009.

1. With donations from The Exchange Club, The Rotary Club and Softwood Lumber, we were able to complete our first two Homeowner Home Repair Projects. A program that is unique to our affiliate and will greatly increase our neighborhood revitalization efforts!

2. Thanks to Mick Jewell of First Financial Services, who organized, funded and executed our 1st Annual Golf Tournament at Stono Ferry! His support and ambition are an inspiration to all!

3. A big thank you to all the businesses that continue to donate items to our ReStore, which helps fund our mission. Specifically, Circa Lighting, Morris Sokol, Goodwood, and Kitchen and Bath Designs!

4. Our wonderful volunteers with extensive construction expertise, whom without, the home construction would not be possible. Especially, the Thursday Crew, their devotion and time are priceless!

5. A big thank you to our house sponsors, Joye Law Firm, Lucille S. Thompson Foundation and First Scots Presbyterian Church!

6. We started a Women Build Committee and an Apostles Build Committee, to empower woman and build on faith, they are both doing great things for our mission!

The list of blessings that we receive on a daily basis is immeasurable, too many to list and so grand that a "thank you" will never be enough! My hope is that those that have given to us, know how much they mean to our mission and understand the difference they are making in the lives of our partnering families.

May you all be as blessed as we are and we look forward to the gifts that God has for us in 2010!

In memoriam, Millard Fuller, 1935-2009

Millard Fuller, 1935-2009

It is with deep sadness that we inform you that Millard Fuller, the founder of Habitat for Humanity, passed away suddenly, this Tuesday morning near Americus Georgia.

Millard was a self-made millionaire at a very young age who saw his relationship with his wife deteriorate. As part of that reconciliation with his wife Linda, they divested themselves of that wealth to begin a life of service.

Millard and Linda Fuller founded Habitat for Humanity in an abandoned barn on Koinonia Farms in 1976 with a goal of housing a million people. From those humble beginnings Millard took an idea, and created a movement.

Millard's leadership helped forge Habitat into a worldwide Christian housing ministry. Globally, Habitat has built over 300,000 homes and every 10 minutes, helps a family improve their housing situation in more than 100 countries around the world.

"I see life as both a gift and a responsibility. My responsibility is to use what God has given me to help his people in need."— Millard Fuller

Tomorrow, Millard's body will be returned to Koinonia Farms where he is to be buried surrounded by friends and family.

While we are saddened by this news, we are comforted in the knowledge that the man who created a home for millions, is home at last. We hope you will join us in offering your prayers and support to his wife Linda.


"Well done, good and faithful servant."— Matthew 25:21


To help continue Millard's legacy and make a gift in memoriam at www.charlestonhabitat.org

A four day week, snow in Charleston and an almost new Keurig Brewing System! 2009 Rocks already!

I have not seen any yet, but my fingers are still crossed to see one snowflake float outside the window of my office. Though the holidays are over, the time for hot coffee, warm blankets and blazing campfires is not. Since I work upstairs from a gentle used-goods store, I am constantly answering the parade of calls and customers looking for coffee machines, water heaters, electric blankets, etc. during the winter months. From time to time we have at least one of everything, but as many of you know, if it's good, it will go fast.

But something came in this morning that caught my attention. In great condition, almost new and perfect for the solo coffee drinker. The Special Edition Brewing System by Keurig originally $149.00 in stores (don't believe me, click here http://www.keurig.com//b60.asp?mscsid=HRHJTKWQPUP28K12JN1E1D5WTN9627B1) but we are selling it for $45.00. It's shiny, powers on and is ready to go.

As I was walking around the store, admiring some of the goods that came in over the weekend, two more gems were spotted:

The first item (and I have absolutely no idea how I would use this, maybe give it to my husband to stand behind during one of his football/softball/basketball rants?) is a white podium. Not a particularly useful item, but if anyone is looking for one, we've got it.

The next item will go along with many New Year's resolutions...a treadmill for $30.00. It is an Proform 745 CS, after googling it I came up with many sites recommending this piece of home fitness equipment. Definitely worth the small investment, if actually used, it could produce big results.

The Humanitarian Way to Redecorate

FYI: Charleston Habitat for Humanity uses the revenue from the ReStore for all of our operating costs. That means that our construction crew, truck drivers, bookkeeper and volunteer coordinator all survive because of the recycling of old furniture and appliances. It's a generous circle we operate, we take used goods and sell them at a discounted rate. We then use that money to hire professionals that organize, plan and build decent, affordable housing.

As any Feng Shui professional will tell you, the benefit of bringing balance, harmony, and beneficial energy to the environment where we live and work enables us to develop happier, healthier lives. To create such an atmosphere, it often requires a little bit of redecorating, maybe some demolishing and a bit of originality. Although a new kitchen may not be at the top of your "New Year's Resolutions" list, it sure as heck shouldn't be at the bottom. Below is a list of a few simple ideas to help you create a balanced 2009, all of these items are located in our ReStore at 731 Meeting Street. With the high turnover, most of this stuff barely lasts a day! But good news, there will be another delivery tomorrow with more great finds.


"A chandelier is one of the few all-round excellent Feng Shui energisers. The crystals in the chandelier reflect light beautifully, bringing in added glow and warmth. Hanging chandeliers in the southern corner of any room is beneficial and a chandelier in the Southwest corner of your home is wonderful if you wish to invite romance into your life or stimulate a current relationship!"

I could not have said it better myself..chandeliers are classic and elegant, now it's just a matter of finding the right one!

Look at these gorgeous wood pieces, full of stories, storage space and character. If your room is in need of a solid piece of furniture this could be the staple that binds everything together! Or in my case, organizes and stores everything that has yet to find a home....

First let me say this, looks can be deceiving! Second, I know this might be the worst picture ever used to represent a "where to shop" option. However, beyond this toilet graveyard, there are trendy bathroom sinks, architectural elements from reputable Charleston homes and plenty of items to remodel your home with! It may take a couple of trips to this area of the ReStore, but trust me, you will find a gem to inspire a new bathroom/kitchen/patio .

So, good luck shopping in a thrift store haven. Please post your finds to show off your ingenuity and patience!

Print out this page and bring it into the ReStore to receive 10% off your entire purchase. Excluding the tile and kitchen cabinets.