Headline: MAN WALKS IN A CUSTOMER, WALKS OUT A VOLUNTEER\ ST. LOUIS' RESTORE
Reporter: By Gregory Freeman

Publication: ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
Last Printed: Thu., Nov. 13, 1997
Section: METRO, Page: C1, Edition: FIVE STAR LIFT

Not many stores entice people to shop and then invite them to become volunteers.

But few stores are like ReStore. Nestled between a couple of old buildings, the store at 1024 South Vandeventer Avenue (*) is inside an old Sears warehouse. Hernando Florentino, 73, has been a volunteer there for five months.  
  
"I just went in to shop one day, " he said. "I had no idea that I would end up becoming a volunteer."

The store is a branch of Habitat for Humanity St. Louis. Habitat, an international, nonprofit volunteer organization, works with needy families to build simple and affordable housing.
  
Formed in 1986, Habitat is perhaps best known as the group that former President Jimmy Carter works with each year. The organization has built more than 30,000 houses worldwide for poor people who offer "sweat equity" as their down payment on a home.
  
ReStore bills itself as a "building materials recycling center, " but it also offers some new building materials for sale at bargain prices.

Florentino - a native of Honduras who is proud of his "half-Spanish and half-Italian" heritage - has been in St. Louis since 1950. For years he worked with the Defense Department, before retiring in 1980. But he's remained active, doing such things as delivering Meals on Wheels. He's given blood to the Red Cross for 60 years.
  
"I think if a person gives up, he dies, " he said. "I plan to die with my boots on."

Florentino, a pleasant, wiry man, was first attracted to ReStore by the prices.
  
"I'm a do-it-yourselfer, and I often buy supplies I can use around the house, " he said. "I couldn't believe how inexpensive everything was. You can come in here and buy things that you couldn't find anywhere else, at prices you couldn't find anywhere else."
  
He was moved when he learned that the profits from the store go to help the poor. "This is such a good idea, I knew I wanted to help, " he said.
  
So Florentino volunteers every week, doing such things as building shelves and cubicles used for storage.

ReStore isn't your average supply or hardware store. There are no flashy signs advertising specials or piped-in music luring customers to buy. Some of the items are dusty, and the place looks very much like a warehouse.
  
But the prices are enticing. On the day that I visited, designer bathroom sinks were selling for $30 to $50. A dishwasher was going for $145. Items ranging from fireplaces to hammers, from chandeliers to doors and windows all were going at bargain prices.
  
That's because all of the items are donated. Some are used; others are new. But because they come at no cost to ReStore, it can afford to sell them at lower prices.

Other volunteers, like Charles Seton, happily pitch in at the store as well. Seton, originally from Lawrence, Kan., says he's "learned over the years that I gain more from what I give to others than what I give to myself." Seton prepares materials, operates a forklift and deals with customers.
  
"The best part about what I do is knowing that I'm helping people who need help, " he said.
  
Retired people, high school students, professionals - even a retired minister and a retired pharmacist - volunteer at the store. "It's a great place to be, and you really get a feeling of doing something to help people, " Seton said.

ReStore director Kathleen Schweitzer says the store could use more volunteers, especially those who can pitch in on a regular basis. It also welcomes donations of items, and the store can pick up items as well.
  
Obviously, everyone who wants to help the poor with housing can't volunteer to help build a house. But ReStore offers an opportunity for those who want to help in other ways.
  
It's a good way to help others while helping yourself.

(* Editor's note: ReStore is now located at 3763 Forest Park Ave., 63108)


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