ReStore Volunteer FAQ

The ReStore is a nonprofit, home-improvement thrift store and donation center that sells new and gently used furniture, appliances, home accessories, building materials and more to the public at a fraction of the retail price. All proceeds from the ReStore sales are used toward Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity's mission to provide families with a decent and affordable home.

ReStore Volunteers are needed every day to help sort, clean, and price donated items, along with providing excellent customer service to ReStore shoppers. We have two volunteer options available: Cashier/Sales Associate and General.

Cashiers/Sales Associates help run cash registers, greet customers and provide assistance to shoppers throughout the store.

General Volunteers help receive donations, clean, price and move merchandise to the designated departments and assist with loading customer vehicles.

All volunteers must be at least 14 years old. 14 to 17-year-old volunteers must have a minor waiver that includes parental waiver and medical release signed by their parent/guardian.

Iowa Heartland ReStore has a variety of shifts available:

Tuesday-Friday: 8:45am-12:00pm, 12:00pm-3:00pm, 3:00pm-5:45pm

Saturday: 8:45am-12:00pm, 12:00pm-3:00pm

Prior to your first shift there will be a short orientation and tour of the ReStore. Volunteers who come in for a morning shift may stay into the afternoon shifts. Just let the ReStore staff know that you will be staying into the afternoon.

The ReStore is a warehouse environment and volunteers should dress appropriately. Volunteers must wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes (tennis shoes are okay but no crocs or flip-flops). Please wear comfortable and appropriate clothing as you may work outside throughout various seasons, get dirty and/or work with paint. However, staff is always flexible and accommodating to volunteers to be best suited in the environment or within their skill set.

As a General Volunteer it is not uncommon to lift up to 20-25 pounds at a time or to help move couches, large windows, and appliances. ReStore staff will always be present to lead any lifting or loading/unloading situations. The ReStore environment is always teamwork based and we will never ask you to assist in a situation that makes you uncomfortable. We always have opportunities for light lifting.

We welcome volunteers doing all kinds of community service hours. Please contact the ReStore directly at 319-883-3331 to set up these hours.

We count on your commitment to volunteer. However, if you are not able to make your shift, please cancel at least 24 hours before your shift begins so that your shift can be covered.

If you want to schedule a group volunteer day, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at 319-235-9946.