BUFFALO, N.Y. — In the midst of all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, there's a place in WNY where you can shop and actually feel good about it.
It's Habitat for Humanity's Buffalo ReStore thrift shop.
"You can walk around and find furniture, doors, windows, appliances, kitchen supplies, decorations. Pretty much anything you need at a discounted rate, where every dollar goes to paying for more of our houses," said Habitat for Humanity Buffalo volunteer manager DJ Manou.
You're literally paying it forward when you donate or buy something at Habitat for Humanity's ReStore.
In fact, the proceeds from the items purchased at the two locations in Tonawanda and in South Buffalo are enough to build two of Habitat's 16 new homes each year.
And Habitat is about to hit a huge milestone.
"This coming year is our 40th anniversary and we're supposed to hit 400 homes this year. That's 400 different families that we may be the light at the end of the tunnel," said Manou.
That wouldn't be possible without the help of volunteers, both at the build sites and in the ReStore. Mark Kuwik is one of them.
"I saw a sign that said volunteers are welcome. So here I am. And I love it," said Kuwik.
He has volunteered at the South Buffalo ReStore for 3 years. A retired aircraft mechanic, Kuwik now spends his days fixing things there.
"Mark is phenomenal. Almost everything that you see here that had to be redone in the past year, he's had his hands on it. I have joked, 'is there anything you can't do?'" said Manou.
Kuwik said he sees the selflessness in his fellow volunteers.
"Everybody here is fantastic. They give their heart out to help the community. And that's what I love the most about the store. They give what the community really needs," said Kuwik.
Habitat for Humanity is always looking for more volunteers at the ReStores and on build sites. You don't need a construction background and you don't need tools. You just need a willingness to give, and what better time than around the holidays?
"Winter months can be tough. Maybe you don't have someone around to do something with. If you're looking for that purpose, you can come and help us," said Manou.
For more information about shopping at or donating items to the ReStore, click here. habitatbuffalo.org/restore
To learn more about volunteer opportunities with Habitat for Humanity, click here. habitatbuffalo.org/get-involved