By visiting Habitat for Humanity of Hall County’s ReStore, you can kill two birds with one stone: You can buy cheap home improvement materials and contribute to the organization.

"ReStore is an avenue for Habitat for Humanity to raise funds," said Robb Owens, director of Hall County Habitat for Humanity. "Habitat survives on donations and gifts of time from the public."

Owens said the store opened about three years ago after Habitat for Humanity realized it was receiving a lot of donations that couldn’t be used in the homes the organization builds for low-income families.

Things like tile, hardwood flooring and appliances were just sitting around.

But through ReStore, those donated items are on sale to the public at reduced prices, and the proceeds go to Habitat for Humanity, Owens said.

"When people are building a house and they have extra materials, rather than throwing it in the Dumpster, we can keep it out of the landfill by taking it in and selling it back to the public," Owens said.

Owens said ReStore will accept any donations, even those that aren’t related to home improvement. He said someone even donated a car once.

"It’s anything you can think of that goes in a house. And the great thing about the Habitat ReStore is the inventory always changes depending on the week," Owens said.

Owens said people always can find new, cheap inventory at ReStore. He said items typically sell for 30 percent of their normal retail value, and prices are lowered constantly on items that sit in the store.

"What you see this week is not what you see next week. And as it sits here, stuff gets lowered," Owens said. "The longer it sits here, the lower it goes."

Those interested in donating to ReStore can either arrange to have items picked up or drop them off at the store’s Murphy Boulevard location.

"It’s been a great response from the public on both ends — donations and shopping," Owens said.

ReStore has picked up a lot of business this year as the economy has taken a downturn.

"People are trying to save money, so this whole year’s been pretty good," Owens said.

Those who are interested in cheap home improvement projects probably could find a number of supplies at reduced costs.

"We’ve got a lot of random things. Things that aren’t worth mentioning, like Liquid Nails and grout and things you need for every project," Owens said. "When you start a project, you can’t get everything here, but stop by here first on your way to the big hardware stores. Get what you get at a reduced price and then get everything else at the big stores."

The Habitat for Humanity ReStore is at 2380 Murphy Blvd. in Gainesville.