HABITAT FOR HUMANITY'S RESTORE HOSTS DIY DAY
Many hobbyists enjoy spending their weekends crafting and doing DIY projects. On Saturday, ReStore in Fairfield hosted its very first DIY Day for crafting connoisseurs who want to make a difference.
ReStore is run by SolanoNapa Habitat for Humanity. Proceeds from the home goods thrift store help support Habitat for Humanity projects in the area. It also accepts donations of home items and is run by mostly volunteers.
While future DIY Days will require a fee to participate, Saturday's was offered for free with a suggested donation of $20.
Participants were led into a small warehouse behind the store. Tables were set up with gloves, safety goggles, masks for sawdust safety and sanding blocks.
The task at hand included turning an upcycled wine box into either a tray or a birdhouse. The crafters were able to choose their box from a stack of wine boxes donated by local wineries.
Joanne Bucsko decided to make a tray that she can use for breakfast in bed or as a charcuterie board.
“I want to join the volunteers here,” said Buckso. “I did that a little bit before the world closed. I saw the ad for today's event in the general information they push out. I said sure, I'll try it out.”
Participants were told to sand down the boxes with the provided sanding blocks. ReStore volunteers then came around to help drill holes into the wine boxes.
Trays needed two small holes on each end for metal handles to be installed. Birdhouses needed a small hole for a wooden peg to be installed as a landing spot for the birds. It also needed a large hole drilled so the birds can go inside.
Participants chatted as they got to meet new crafters and help each other with their projects. The sounds of power drills and laughter among new friends drowned out the sounds of pouring rain from the open door.
Next came painting the boxes. Color choices included dark green, burnt red, sky blue, and gray. As the paint dried, conversation continued on between participants.
Solano-Napa Habitat for Humanity Volunteer En
gagement Manager Tracy Moresi-Lorentzen told the crafters of an upcoming volunteer opportunity. A threehome build will be happening on Woolner Avenue in Fairfield. Moresi-Lorentzen says three low income families have already been chosen to live in these future homes. After permits go through, building will begin — likely in April or May.
“The goal is community outreach and awareness,” said Moresi-Lorentzen. “There are still a lot of people who do not know about Solano-Napa Habitat for Humanity. When I was putting together the outreach calendar, my goal was to find a way to bring people into the store. A lot of people know we build houses, but our store is kind of a hidden gem. This place builds homes. It's also about donations, volunteering, and word of mouth.”
Moresi-Lorentzen says more DIY Days will happen in the future. She currently has one planned for later in the year. She says ReStore will also be hosting project days, which will happen after store hours. Volunteers will be able to enjoy pizza, soda and music while helping with small repairs and touch-ups throughout the store, like putting fresh paint on walls.
Each time a bird flies into the DIY birdhouses or breakfast in bed is served from the DIY trays, participants will be able to remember the laughs they had with strangers and the difference they made in their community.
To learn more about Solano-Napa Habitat for Humanity and ReStore, visit https :// sol an on a pa habitat. org.